Mountain goats were introduced to Colorado in an effort to expand hunting opportunities throughout the state beginning in 1947. While the Colorado Wildlife Commission proclaimed the mountain goat a native species in 1993, most professional biologists doubt that they ever lived in the state naturally. Today they’re primarily on the high peaks in the center of Colorado, but they can be found on some mountains in the San Juan range.
Both male and female goats can be agressive towards people if approached too closely. Male mountain goats tend to be the most agressive in the fall mating season while the females tend to get agressive while protecting their young. As seen in the video taken on a Colorado mountain, mountain goats will charge people who get too close.
If you encounter mountain goats in the wild, be sure to give them roughly 150 feet or more of space. If a mountain goat approaches you, slowly back away and give the animal space. If it continues to approach, wave you arms and make loud noises to try to scare it away. Approaching the animals for a picture or to feed the mountain goat is never okay. Read more on mountain goat safety below.
Mountain Goat Safety Tips:
If you encounter a mountain goat while hiking or backpacking, here are some tips to help keep you safe:
- Give them plenty of space (roughly 150 feet or more). Mountain goats will often stand their ground or charge you if you get too close.
- If you see a mountain goat coming down the trail you are on, turn around and head back down the trail to avoid getting too close to them.
- Like other big game animals, mountain goats can be especially aggressive toward dogs. Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass protected hoofed wildlife, like mountain goats.
- 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 look for signs at trailheads to know if a particular trail has had reports of aggressive mountain goats. Then stay alert.
- Never feed a mountain goat or allow it to lick your skin.