BC Parks is monitoring a herd of mountain goats in the Similkameen.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / BC PARKS
September 01, 2019 - 6:00 PM
Keremeos - The government is tracking goats in the Similkameen, and that isn't a euphemism.
According to a BC Parks media release, a small herd of mountain goats that call Cathedral Provincial Park home is being monitored to mitigate the potential risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Kirk Safford, a conservation specialist with BC Parks, said that goats are drawn to urine and sweaty clothing from hikers in the area. While the hikers helped craft a reliable mineral lick for the mountain goats, it poses a potential risk.
“It’s very exciting. We’re seeing movements that we had no idea about,” said Safford, noting the collars will also show the goats’ activity around the campground, allowing park staff to monitor goats that are aggressive towards people. “Goats exert dominance over each other around mineral licks because it’s such a highly sought-after resource. You put people into that mix in a campground and it poses a risk to both people and the animals. We want to avoid that kind of conflict in a park.”
Safford said there have been no reports of goats being aggressive towards humans.
Scientists and Lower Similkameen Indian Band technicians captured and collared 10 goats in June and July.
Funding for the study is through the BC Parks Licence Plate Program, which has generated more than $4.1 million for conservation projects, community engagement, and indigenous relations.
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