Mountain goats have been intentionally launched to Colorado in 1947, when 14 goats have been introduced in from Montana and launched within the state’s Collegiate Vary, adopted by extra goats from Idaho, South Dakota, and British Columbia. At the moment the animals are discovered unfold all through the state, residing above the treeline in central Colorado and within the San Juan mountains.
Mountain goats are usually fairly uncommon in areas of excessive human exercise, however in direction of the highest of Mount Blue Sky these animals typically collect round parking heaps and roads. Practically 200,000 individuals go to the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Space yearly. The massive variety of individuals and their proximity to the animals create a sequence of hazards for the goats, together with elevated stress, illness danger, behavioral modifications, and extra. However it may possibly additionally pose a danger to vacationers, with the animals often appearing aggressively in direction of people in the event that they really feel threatened.
It’s not unusual on Mount Blue Sky to witness mountain goats operating in direction of the sound of crinkling meals wrappers, operating in direction of individuals with meals, sticking their heads in automobiles, licking the salt off automobiles, or standing on automobiles, as is the case on this video.
The street to the summit of Mount Blue Sky is about to be closed for upkeep throughout the 2025 summer time season, reopening in Could 2026. However these heading to excessive altitude places anyplace in Colorado, or anyplace within the western United States, should encounter mountain goats. Individuals ought to at all times give mountain goats no less than 50 yards of area (150 toes), backing away if the animal begins to strategy. One ought to by no means feed mountain goats, both.
Though not normally harmful, mountain goats on this space could strategy individuals. Some have grown accustomed to being fed and, because of this, have misplaced their concern of individuals. This may make them extra aggressive and more likely to “stand their floor” if encountered on the path.
Mountain goats additionally crave the salts present in human sweat and urine. They could comply with individuals to acquire sweat soaked clothes or climbing gear.
Male goats could change into significantly aggressive throughout the breeding season, which begins in October and continues by means of December.
To your security:
• By no means feed mountain goats.
• Keep no less than 50 yards (half the size of a soccer area) away from goats.
• If a goat approaches, slowly transfer away. If it persists, chase it off by
yelling, waving your arms, waving clothes, or throwing rocks.
• Urinate on rocks, naked soil, or snow no less than 50 yards from the path.
• Don’t go away garments or gear unattended.
