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SALT LAKE CITY — Mountain goats aren't actually goats — they have more in common with gazelles and cattle than anything else.
But whatever family they belong to, the estimated 1,500 mountain goats in Utah can pose a threat to high-altitude hikers across the state. Mountain goats are well-suited to a precarious perch on rocky climes, but the hikers they come across may not fare as well in a tense, tightrope encounter.
Hikers are most likely to spot mountain goat herds in the Uinta Mountains and Tushar Mountains, and there are some scattered throughout the Wasatch mountain range, including on Mount Timpanogos, Cascade Mountain, Provo Peak and in Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Utah Department of Natural Resources says.
"The most common encounters we get reports of are on Mt. Timpanogos because a lot of people hike and backpack on that mountain, and there is a large herd of mountain goats there," said Faith Jolley, a Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman.
Though, there haven't yet been reports of aggressive goats this summer, Jolley says several dogs were injured or killed by mountain goats last year.
Female mountain goats, called nannies, are the ones to avoid this time of year. The nannies give birth in late May and form large nursery herds in the summer. Hikers might see the herds grazing in peaceful pastures but shouldn't be fooled by the idyllic image — the nannies can be especially territorial and aggressive.
"Mountain goats can impale you with their horns, so you don't want to risk coming into contact with one," said Rusty Robinson, Division of Wildlife Resources species coordinator.
If you do see a mountain goat while you're recreating this summer, keep in mind the following tips:
- Give them lots of space — at least 150 feet. Mountain goats could charge if you get too close.
- If you see a mountain goat coming down your trial, turn around and head back down the trail.
- Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times.
- If a mountain goat begins approaching you, slowly back away and give it some distance. If it continues approaching, wave your arms and make loud noises to try and scare it away.
- Talk to the land-managing agency for the area where you're hiking and do your research to know if there have been reports of aggressive mountain goats on your planned route.
- Never feed a mountain goat or allow it to lick your skin.
There are some opportunities to safely view mountain goats, Jolley says. The department will host a viewing event in the Tushar Mountains on Aug. 10, but participants will keep a good distance from the animals, using binoculars to spy on them.
If hikers want to replicate the viewing event on their own, Jolley recommends binoculars and lots of distance.
"Be aware of your surroundings, stay alert and don't put yourself in those situations. If you need to turn around and cut your hike short, do it," Robinson said.
