The Atlas Obscura Podcast · Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Alpine Ibex in Italy's Antrona Valley have developed a unique survival tactic of climbing sheer dams to lick salt and minerals from the concrete. This behavior, observed at the Cingino Dam and others, provides essential nutrients and a safe feeding ground away from predators.
“These creatures are called Alpine Ibex. Andchingeno Dam in Piedmont, Italy is the world's least accessible snack bar.”
“From our human perspective, these goats look crazy. Like clockwork, these wild goats wander daily out of the surrounding area of the Italian Alps and climb dozens of feet into the air. To essentially treat the dam like a salt lick.”
“Due to a mix of weathering and chemical processes, the dam's concrete releases a mix of sodium and calcium salts that help the ibex grow big and strong.”