Fainting goats are a breed of goat that exhibit a peculiar behavior of freezing and falling over when they are startled or excited. This breed is also known as the Tennessee fainting goat, myotonic goat, stiff-legged goat, wooden-leg goat, nervous goat, fall-down goat, and scare goat. However, fainting goats dont actually faint when they fall over. They remain conscious the entire time. Fainting goats are born with a hereditary neuromuscular disorder called myotonia congenita, which causes their muscles to seize up when theyre startled. This results in their falling over as if they fainted upon being scared. Myotonia congenita is not unique to goats or livestock and can also affect human beings, though not as a response to fear. The reaction is typically caused by a myotonic goat being spooked by, for example, loud sounds or a sudden movement. The sudden stiffening of muscles as the animal attempts to flee sometimes causes them to fall over, which looks a bit like they have fainted from fright. Fainting isn’t harmful to the goats since myotonia congenita only affects their muscles. Interestingly, both fear and excitement can trigger this reaction. While the goats can’t communicate with their owners, it’s safe to infer that fainting doesn’t cause them pain. Most goats stand up after a few seconds and continue on their way.