When it comes to mountain goats, DWR says keep your distance
Jul 11, 2024, 11:00 AM
One of more than twenty mountain goats feeds on the grass growing on the rocks at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon pauses to take a look at the view on Friday May 6, 2005. Utahns are taking to the hills to find cooler temps. However, DWR is sending a message: steer clear of the mountain goats. (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret Morning News)
(Scott G. Winterton/Deseret Morning News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns are taking to the hills to find cooler temps. However, the state Division of Wildlife Resources is sending a message: steer clear of the mountain goats.
Rusty Robinson with the DWR said coming upon a goat in the wild can be a beautiful thing. But if you do, you and your canine friends, need to keep a safe distance.
“Most of the negative encounters that we see involve a dog. Or a dog wants to go out and check out this mountain goat,” he said. “Mountain goats, like other wildlife, perceive dogs as a predatory threat.”
The DWR said mountain goat attacks are rare but could happen when hiking in the Uintas or along the Wasatch Front.
In the end, Robinson has some words of advice.
“Get up out of the valleys and enjoy the cooler temperatures and enjoy wildlife,” he said. “Just do it at a safe distance. Make sure your dogs are on a leash and under control, and everything should be fine.”
Andy Cupp is a producer for KSL NewsRadio and KSL At Night.
