These 12 Mount Everest Animals Survive Against the Odds

Mount Everest, located in the Himalayan Mountain Range, is the tallest mountain in the world. It reaches an elevation of 29,032 feet. The mountain itself is nestled between Nepal and Tibet, within an autonomous region of China. Hundreds attempt to climb the peak each year, though many fail in the process.

It’s an astonishingly tough climb that features a variety of weather patterns, terrain, and, of course, wildlife. The cold and steep mountain is home to a select few animals and birds that have adapted to the harsh mountain environment. Although living at such high elevations is uncommon, these species are well-adapted to the climate.

The elevation at the top of the mountain is a bit too high for most animals and birds to survive and thrive, but all of the animals listed below enjoy their homes at various points on the mountain. Living above 20,000 feet in elevation is difficult due to the permanent snow. Few plants can even survive at such heights! Most of the species on this list live below 15,000 feet of elevation. However, for some species, seasonal changes prompt them to move to lower elevations during the cold winter months.

To learn about the amazing animals that live on Mount Everest, check out this list. They’re diverse and beautiful, with an inspiring resiliency to difficult terrain. Here are twelve animals that live on Mount Everest:

1. Snow Leopard

The rare snow leopard is one of the amazing species that survives on Mount Everest. These large cats typically enjoy residing at an elevation of between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. It’s not common to spot one on the mountain, but if you do, be sure to proceed with caution. Snow leopards are a solitary species that are well-equipped to traverse the snow. Their large paws enable them to move through tough snow with ease. The cats live low on the mountain, so they don’t see the worst of the Mount Everest weather. However, even the base of Mount Everest sees extremely freezing temperatures.

2. Himalayan Black Bear

The Himalayan black bear is another staple of the Mount Everest environment. It’s uncommon to see one of these creatures on your trek up the mountain, but if you do, it would be below an elevation of 14,000 feet. They prefer the forested regions of Mount Everest. While this species of black bear is pretty comfortable in freezing temperatures, hibernation helps them survive the extra chilly stretches of the year. They’ll hibernate for the winter, emerging in the spring and migrating to warm areas where they can recover their strength.

3. Himalayan Tahrs

The beautiful Himalayan tahr is another important species to the ecosystem of Mount Everest. They’re extremely comfortable with subzero temperatures and reach up to 16,000 feet of elevation on the mountain. Their thick coats help to protect them from the elements. Their hooves are flexible, equipping the tahr to move through complicated, rocky terrain. While these species look a bit intimidating, they’re herbivorous, eating primarily grass and some wild fruits. Other species of tahrs are facing more grave danger, including the Nilgiri and Arabian tahrs. Tahrs have been overhunted.

4. Red Pandas

The adorable but tough red panda also lives in the Himalayan Mountains! They’ve been spotted on Mount Everest at elevations of up to 11,000 feet. Red pandas live in trees and primarily stick to the forested areas of the lower Himalayan Mountains. While this species is small, it is fierce. Their hair is surprisingly thick, making a great coat for winter survival in the mountains.

5. Musk Deer

Musk deer live in the lower portions of Mount Everest as well. While they look a bit like small deer, they’re a species of their own, lacking antlers. Their protective mechanism is actually a musk gland that they use to mark their territory. The musk glands of a musk deer are extremely valuable and are often gathered and used by humans for the production of perfume.

6. Mountain Weasel

For being such tiny creatures, mountain weasels are incredibly tough. These little mammals can survive at elevations up to 12,000 feet, living in small cracks and crevices in trees and rocks. They’re another solitary species, and they’re nocturnal as well. Despite their small size, they can run and climb with astonishing skill. Mountain weasels are carnivores and they feed on smaller mammals like voles. Mountain weasels even eat rabbits.

7. Yellow-Throated Marten

The yellow-throated marten is a similar species to a weasel that lives in the mountains of the Himalayas. Their namesake is obvious, as they have a unique yellow color on much of their bodies. These animals have a strong, repelling odor that deters most predators. They’re omnivores, enjoying plants as well as small animals. These animals have been heavily hunted due to their fur. It’s uncommon for people to see them on their hike up Mount Everest, but they aren’t afraid of people, nor are they dangerous.

8. Wild Yak

Wild yaks are massive. These hulking beasts survive well in the harsh climates of Mount Everest due to their size and thick fur. These yaks live at the highest elevations of any animal on this list, surviving up to 18,000 feet. They have a thick undercoat beneath their woolly outer layer, making them comfortable and resilient in subzero temperatures. Wild yaks could theoretically take down all sorts of prey if they so chose, but in reality, they’re herbivores! They eat grasses and lichen and are generally friendly in nature. If you see a yak on Mount Everest, it’s unlikely you will encounter aggression, but as always, proceed with caution. Mother yaks can be the most aggressive, charging if they feel their calves are threatened.

9. Himalayan Goral

These sweet-looking Himalayan gorals are another type of animal that is present on Mount Everest. These small mammals generally weigh less than 100 lbs, and while they’re not very social, they pose no threat to humans who may encounter them on their trek up the mountain. They travel in groups of between 4 and 10 gorals and generally disguise themself if they see a person. They’ve seen a significant population decline due to climate change and hunting. Temperatures are becoming too warm for the species to live comfortably.

10. Himalayan Pika

Himalayan pikas have got to be one of the cutest animals on Mount Everest. These little mammals can survive up to almost 14,000 feet in elevation, making them incredibly tenacious for their size. The region of the mountain that pikas occupy is full of rock fragments and trees, giving the pika many different places to nest. Pikas are omnivores, and the level of the mountain they occupy is stocked full of delicious grasses and leaves. There are plenty of them nestled in cracks of the mountain; however, it’s highly unlikely humans will come into contact with them. They are so small that it’s difficult to spot them, and they prefer isolated areas.

11. Blood Pheasant

There are some incredible birds that inhabit the air of Mount Everest. One of those species is the blood pheasant. This small pheasant is native to the Eastern Himalayas and travels yearly to the Mount Everest region. These birds nest on the ground, which makes them vulnerable to trampling. They’re most comfortable in birch trees and reach elevations of up to 14,700 feet. Because the bird is so abundant, it’s very likely to see a blood pheasant while exploring the Himalayan Mountains.

12. Himalayan Monal

One of the most beautiful animals on this list is the Himalayan monal. The Himalayan monal is the national bird of Nepal, boasting feathers of many colors: blue, purple, orange, yellow, and green. The monal is another high-altitude pheasant, reaching elevations of up to 16,000 feet in the summertime. However, when it’s colder in the mountains, they move to lower elevations, often under 7,000 feet. These pretty birds are tough despite their fancy aesthetic. In the winter, they’re known to dig through snow, looking for a bite to eat. It’s easier to see them in autumn and winter, as they move to lower elevation terrain.

Mount Everest is home to some incredible species. From giant wild yaks to delicate Himalayan monals, many animals survive and thrive in the complicated, chilly terrain of Mount Everest. These animals show resilience in many ways. The pika will hide in the cracks, while the musk deer will protect its territory with its odor. The animals that live on Mount Everest are incredibly diverse. From tiny mammals to giant, woolly beasts, each animal finds a way to protect itself from the elements. The species that survive on Mount Everest are a testament to the wide range of adaptations found in the animal kingdom. If you aspire to hike Mount Everest, consider keeping your eyes peeled for the diverse animals that live in the Himalayas.