Mountain Goats

The mountain goats are one of the highlights of the Timp hike. Learn how to safely hike with them nearby.

Important info about mountain goats

"Mountain goats can impale you with their horns, so you don't want to risk coming into contact with one," - Rusty Robinson, Utah DWR

Mama goats can be territorial
An adult mountain goat and a baby mountain goat eat on the side of the trail
When they have their kids with them
Male goats can be aggressive
An adult mountain goat is right along the trail
Especially in the fall during mating season
They really don't like dogs
An adult mountain goat and baby mountain goat walk through purple flowers
They killed 3 on Timp in summer 2023

When you encounter a mountain goat

Give them plenty of space - they are often right by the trail
a red arrow in the center of the image portrays distance
If you get too close, they may charge you
If they're walking toward you on the trail, turn around
icon shows a stick figure turning around
You want to avoid getting too close to them
Keep your dog on a leash and AWAY from any goats
icon shows a dog on a leash
Protect your dog and the goats - learn more about pet safety
If one approaches you, slowly back away
icons show an emoji backing away and a talking head emoji
If it continues to approach, make noise to try to scare it away

Sources

Learn more at the links below:

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