About
The almost vertical face of this dam in Italy is covered with salt-hungry goats.
The Cingino Dam in the remote Antrona Valley may not be extraordinary at first glance, but visitors can observe an unusual sight: Alpine ibexes scaling the nearly vertical dam wall. Following a repopulation effort, these native mountain goats have been seen hopping and moving along the impossibly small brick outcroppings of the structure. Scientists are unsure why they make this seemingly dangerous climb, but it is believed they are seeking a food source found on lichen growing in the cracks in the bricks or simply as an effective means of deterring predators. Despite the dizzying heights and lack of solid footholds, their large ears and rubbery hooves provide them with enough dexterity to complete this formidable feat. Tragically, some ibexes fall to their deaths; yet for those that find safety atop the dam, they are much safer than those left on unprotected ground.
