Come See The Wildlife That Survives Winter…On The Top Of The Mountains!

If you want to see what I consider one of the wonders of nature, you have that chance coming up on Saturday, August 12^th courtesy of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. That is the date of the annual Goat Watch held up near Big John Flat in the Tushar Mountains above Beaver, Utah.

Johhny Neil from the DWR was with us on the Wildside program this morning on the radio and told us they are hoping to have the road open to Big John Flat by the 12^th but as of today there are still some snow drifts blocking the road.

“We're hoping that some of those bigger drifts will be gone and cleared up by August 12," Neil said.

Neil also told us that the goats sometimes cooperate and sometimes they don't. “Sometimes will get there and they'll (the goats) go like, see ya and go like right over the ridge.” The mountain goats, unlike other wildlife do not retreat to lower elevations during the winter but spend the entire year near the tops of the mountains.

When asked what if the goat herd had been effected by the exceptional winter that happened this year, Neil said watching data from some of the goats that were collared in the last two years, they seem to be enjoying the year very much. In January, when other wildlife was retreating from the higher elevations, the goats remained on the mountain peaks.

As far as what they eat during the winter, they forage on small grasses that they find in areas where the snow has drifted and leaves small patches. One of the most extraordinary aspects of mountain goats is their ability to extract nutrients from poor-quality forage found in their harsh habitats.

Their highly efficient digestive system enables them to thrive on sparse alpine vegetation, making them true survivors of challenging environmental conditions. Even in the summer, the grasses the goats feed on are only one to two inches tall.

Mountain goats were reintroduced to the Tushar Mountains in 1967 when DWR biologists released six animals relocated from Olympic National Park in Washington. The Tushar Mountains mountain goat herd has thrived and provided a source population for additional transplants across Utah.

Although mountain goats are often visible from the road, a hike is sometimes required to actually see the mountain goats in person. In addition to seeing mountain goats, biologists will be available to answer questions and provide information about the animals at the viewing event.

Spotting scopes will be available to provide a closer view of the goats; however, participants should bring their own binoculars if they have them. Attendees should also come prepared with warm clothing, water and a lunch because the area is quite remote and services are not available.

In a press release about the event, Adam Kavalunas, Outreach Manager for the Southern Region of the DWR said, “Participants can usually see quite a few mountain goats and other wildlife from Big John Road, which runs through the heart of where the goats spend their summer months. The Tushar Mountains provide some of the most breathtaking views in mountain goat habitat in Utah, and the goat population there is doing well.”

The event is free, but it is recommended that you sign up at Eventbrite ahead of the day. If there are questions about weather, call the DWR Southern Region office at 435 865 6100. Those wishing to caravan up to the goat watch should meet at the Sinclair station at 215 N. Main in Beaver. They will leave promptly at 7:15AM. A high clearance four wheel drive vehicle will be needed to get to the viewing area.

Observing mountain goats in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. Witnessing them navigate treacherous cliffs and graze on seemingly inhospitable slopes reminds us of the resilience of life. These animals embody the spirit of perseverance, teaching us valuable lessons about adaptation, cooperation, and harmony with the environment.

You can listen to the entire Wildside show from this morning below.