Goat education program is off to a good start
—Courtesy photo Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness goat education coordinator Jay Sicilia demonstrates the proper distance from which to observe mountain goats. FSPW officials said an education program to reduce conflict with the goats is off to a great start.
CLARK FORK — After the first couple of weeks of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Trail Ambassador Program, things are looking good for the goats of the Scotchman Peaks.
After two weekends of gathering information and educating the public about mountain goats on Scotchman Peak Trail 65, FSPW trail ambassadors are having very good results. As of Monday, June 27, there have been have no reports of people interacting too closely with the mountain goats.
“Although a few goats have been a little stubborn when it comes to getting off the trail, overall, it seems that people have started to realize the potential dangers of interacting with them,” said FSPW goat education coordinator Jay Sicilia.
The biggest issue noted thus far is the definition of “safe distance” from the goats. After being asked if goats were approaching too close, one response was “No, they are staying 12 feet away.”
However, Sicilia said 12 feet isn’t exactly a safe distance, adding that FSPW, the Forest Service and Idaho Fish and Game recommend 100 to 150 feet.
On Sunday, June 26, Sicilia was on the trail and witnessed nine mountain goats on the rocks near the top; three mothers, three kids, and three two-year-olds. Of those, only one mother goat was reluctant to move away as she was approached. After a series of attempts to shoo it away and a couple rocks thrown at her feet, she retreated to higher ground, showing natural mountain goat behavior, he said.
FSPW ambassadors hiking the trail have reported nothing but good feedback from the public.
“People really seem to care and want to help the mountain goats, as well as learn more about them,” said Sicilia. “Most everyone understands that they are wild animals and should be left alone, even if that means shooing the goats away from them.”
FSPW has undertaken the trail ambassador program on Scotchman Peak Trail#65 primarily in response to a closure of the trail last year due to increasing reports of human-goat encounters that were too close for comfort. Trail ambassadors will be asking hikers about their experience with goats, teaching about the “leave no trace” principles and monitoring goat presence and activity on Scotchman Peak throughout the hiking season.
If you have any questions about mountain goats or experiences you would like to share, email jay@scotchmanpeaks.org.