Authorities with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, USFS, and National Park Service are relocating 775 non-native mountain goats from Olympic National Park to the North Cascades via helicopter rides and trucks. Which has us asking– how much does THAT cost?Â
The goats had previously become accustomed to human beings and as such– started to get a little too close for comfort. According to the Seattle Times, a man died in 2010 after being gored by a mountain goat at Olympic National Park. Park officials say wildlife are often attracted to the salt in human sweat and urine. Unlike their old home, the North Cascades are home to a variety of salty sources that should keep their attention off sweaty hikers.
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The non-native goats were brought to the area by past visitors from Canada and Alaska sometime in the early 20th century. While the heli-trips seem very humane, it does seem excessive and costly for non-native goats, especially considering this is tax payer money were talking about. We’re thinking moving 700+ goats via helicopter has got to cost close to a few hundred thousand dollars at least. Thoughts?
Find the entire Seattle Times article here:Â Mountain goat relocation begins in Olympic National Park