The chamois of the Vosges
Zoom in on the Vosges chamois, mountain goat
A close relative of the antelope, the chamois has tawny-brown fur in summer, with a black stripe down its back. The chamois's head is light, as is its throat with two long dark stripes from the top of its head to its muzzle. The head of the ibex, also from the goat family, is brown. The chamois can distinguish movement at nearly 500 meters in the dark, but this animal has difficulty identifying stationary objects, even close to it. Its hearing is accustomed to sounds related to human activity. Chamois, however, pay close attention to any unusual noise and to detect whether there is danger or not, they use their most developed sense: smell. This sense allows them to confirm, in a favorable wind, the presence of intruders at more than 500 meters. It is one of the rare mammals that drinks very little water: the resources provided in its food (plants, tree stumps) are sufficient for it, and it exposes itself very little to the sun, taking refuge in the forests. Thanks to its agility, the species is never threatened by its main predators such as the golden eagle, the brown bear or the lynx. Chamois are not solitary, only old males are, large gatherings take place mainly in the autumn rutting season, and in winter. Before sunrise, the chamois searches for food until around noon. In the afternoon, it looks for a quiet place to rest and ruminate. In the evening, it goes out again to search for food until nightfall. In winter, although it draws on its fat reserves, it can spend the entire day searching for food. The chamois_Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, La Bresse, France
Young couple of chamois in the Vosges
His white forehead in the night seems an eternal dawn. The frightened chamois, whose foot is worth a wing, even the eagle fears him, dark and silent. ... Victor Hugo
In the heart of the blue line of the Vosges
We dominate the entire region while enjoying magnificent panoramas. From afar, we can see the villages, the lake, the summit meadows and the open green areas, from where it is also possible to see the first chamois. By approaching silently, it is easy to surprise them, either lying down daydreaming or on rocks watching. In general, they do not move and only flee in the event of danger or intrusion into their environment.
