Holly Lucas, age 12, of Baton Rouge, La., for her question:

WHERE DOES THE IBEX LIVE IN THE WILDS?

An ibex is a type of wild goat. They live in the high mountain meadows, rocks and slopes of Europe and Asia.

The Alpine ibex is about four and a half feet long and stands about 40 inches high at the shoulder. Its horns may measure 50 inches along the ridged and knobbed outer curve.

The larger Siberian ibex has horns which may reach 60 inches.

The Spanish ibex of the Pyrenees and the Asiatic markhor have horns which are twisted in half spirals, giving them a more truly goatlike appearance.

Hales and females live separately in small flocks except during the mating season. It seems almost impossible the way they travel up and down the cliffs and crags. Sometimes an ibex will jump as far as 40 feet.

The lambs are able to follow their mothers within a few minutes after birth.

The ibex has been heavily hunted. Now many governments are protecting them.

An ibex has 'forelegs that are slightly shorter than the hind legs.