What to do if you encounter a mountain goat on a Utah trail

Hikers may encounter mountain goats on high-elevation trails in Utah. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

UTAH — Spotting a mountain goat perched effortlessly on a rocky cliff may be one of the highlights of a summer hike, but wildlife officials say keeping your distance is essential.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding hikers to give mountain goats plenty of space, especially during the busy summer hiking season when encounters become more common in Utah’s high-elevation terrain.

“Mountain goats can impale you with their horns, so you don’t want to risk coming into contact with one,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson said. “Remember that they are wild animals, so always give them plenty of space. 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.”

Utah is home to roughly 1,500 mountain goats, most of which live in rugged alpine terrain. Unlike other big game animals that migrate to lower elevations during winter, mountain goats are built for snow and steep cliffs, descending only during extreme winter conditions.

Hikers are most likely to encounter mountain goats in the Uinta Mountains, the Tushar Mountains near Beaver and throughout portions of the Wasatch Range, including Mount Timpanogos, Cascade Mountain, Provo Peak and Little Cottonwood Canyon.

While generally not aggressive, goats can become protective during certain times of year. Males, known as billies, are more aggressive during the November breeding season, while females, or nannies, become especially territorial after giving birth in late May and while caring for their kids through the summer.

If you encounter a mountain goat, the DWR recommends:

• Stay at least 150 feet away.
• If a goat is coming down the trail toward you, turn around and give it space.
• Keep dogs leashed and under control, as mountain goats can become aggressive toward pets.
• If a goat approaches you, slowly back away. If it continues advancing, wave your arms and make loud noises to discourage it.
• Check with the local land management agency or trailhead signs for reports of aggressive goats before beginning your hike.
• Never feed a mountain goat or allow one to lick your skin.

Officials say giving wildlife plenty of room helps protect both hikers and the animals, ensuring Utah’s mountain goats remain wild while allowing outdoor enthusiasts to safely enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat.