Idaho hiking reopens, with hikers warned not to feed goats

CLARK FORK, Idaho – A hiking trail in northern Idaho reopened Saturday, but with an admonishment to hikers: don’t feed the goats.

The U.S. Forest Service closed Scotchman Peak Trail in Kaniksu National Forest last fall after human handouts had made mountain goats aggressive.

One of the hoofed animals bit a hiker. Others had tried to head-butt hikers in an attempt to get food. The agency said some hikers had even let the goats eat from their hands.

But the goats have since had time to find other food sources.

Visitors should practice good goat etiquette, the Forest Service said. That means not feeding the wild animals and educating hikers that do.