The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has received recent reports of dogs being gored and killed by mountain goats. Utah is home to roughly 1,500 mountain goats located across the state. The largest herds are located in the Uinta Mountains, the Tushar Mountains and a few herds scattered throughout the Wasatch Mountain Range. The male mountain goats typically get more aggressive during their breeding season, which typically takes place in November. The nanny goats get more aggressive when they have baby goats. They typically give birth in late May and then the nannies and kids join up and form large nursery herds. During the summer months, they will mostly graze in meadow areas with abundant feed while they are nursing their kids. The nannies are often territorial during this period when they have their kids with them. If you encounter a mountain goat while hiking or backpacking give them plenty of space (roughly 150 feet or more). 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. 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.
