Why Would an Ibex Climb a Dam Wall?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why would an ibex climb a dam wall?

The Big Idea

An ibex climbs a dam wall to lick a salty snack! In Italy, a video showed Alpine ibex walking up a nearly vertical dam. The reason is hidden in the stones.

Missing Minerals

Step one: missing minerals. Mountain animals sometimes crave minerals they can't get from plants. Salt and other minerals help their bodies work well, and help their bones and horns grow strong.

Crusty Stones

Step two: the salty wall. The stones on the dam wall are crusted with salts and minerals. The ibex lick them, like a tasty treat. They may travel a long way for a salty snack.

Super Climbers

Step three: super climbers. Ibex have strong hooves and balance that let them walk on very steep rock. A steep dam wall is no problem for these natural climbers. Their hooves have hard edges and soft centers, just like mountain goat hooves.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Alpine ibex has long, curved horns. It craves salts and minerals. A dam wall is covered with them. So up the ibex go to lick the stones, one careful step at a time.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The Cingino Dam ibex became internet-famous. Alpine ibex live in the Alps of Europe, where the dam is found. Their hooves grip rock the way a rubber sole grips a floor. Ibex can do this, but people must never try to climb dams.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw an ibex on a steep wall. Add a speech bubble. What would it say about why it climbed? Share your idea with a grown-up!

Outro

Ibex climb a dam wall for the salty minerals on the stones. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!