BLM warns of 'aggressive' mountain goats along Oregon river

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Territorial goats of the Pacific Northwest are asking adventure-seekers to get off their lawn.

The Bureau of Land Management has alerted the public that “aggressive mountain goats” haven’t given a warm welcome to people riding their boats on the Grande Ronde River between Meadow Creek and Alder Creek.

“Recently, boaters have encountered two aggressive nannies in the area with their kids,” BLM Oregon & Washington wrote on Facebook last week. “Wildlife can be dangerous, especially when protecting their young, so please avoid camping in any location where mountain goats or other wildlife are present.”

BLM said visitors of the Wallowa-Grande Ronde River corridor are likely to see animals like raptors, upland birds, river otters and turkey. Mountain lions, bobcats, moose and mountain goats are a more common sight for “lucky observers,” according to the bureau. And while the Oregon Department of Wildlife has highlighted mountain goats as the state’s rarest game mammal, that hasn’t stopped boaters from coming into contact with them.

Public land officials urge visitors not to feed the animals and to stay at least 50 yards away. People should also keep their dogs leashed, and they shouldn’t leave their clothing unattended or urinate in the river or on the rocks within at least 50 yards from their trail or campground.

If a mountain goat does approach someone, BLM encourages the person to try to move away slowly instead of running. Otherwise, they should chase the animal off by yelling, waving their arms or clothing, or throwing rocks.

Officials want the public to report “aggressive wildlife encounters” to ODFW.