Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/hiker-meets-mountain-goats/
You never know what you’re going to see or experience when hiking in the mountains.
For one hiker in Bozeman, Montana, he had an experience of a lifetime after running into a mother mountain goat and her baby.
The hiker had made it to the top of the summit of a peak in the Bridger Range right at sunset, and the two mountain goats trotted towards him as the sky filled with beautiful colors.
The moment was incredibly beautiful and the hiker happened to capture a piece of it on camera.
He shared the footage with ViralHog and said, “I had a close encounter with mountain goats on the summit of a peak in the Bridger Range at sunset. I went for a sunset hike and they approached me on top.”
Watch it below:
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I think it’s safe to say that’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment!
According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, mountain goats are native to areas in Montanta, but it wasn’t until the 1969 that the Bridger Range was introduced to the species.
In 2019, the area reached an all-time population high of 127 mountain goats. Given that there aren’t a ton of goats in the region, it’s even more incredible that the hiker had an encounter with a mother and her calf.
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While the moment was certainly beautiful, it’s important to note that approaching a mountain goat is never a safe idea. The National Park Service says, “Mountain goats are unpredictable. Visitors should stay at least 50 yards away…With their sharp horns and powerful bodies, mountain goats can inflict significant and lethal injuries.”
Mother mountain goats are especially territorial so it’s a good idea to try and maintain your distance if approached by one.
Have you ever encountered a wild mountain goat? Let us know!
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
