Mountain goat ambassadors needed at Scotchman Peak

Idaho Fish and Game Department, the U.S. Forest Service and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will train volunteers to educate the public on the hazards of feeding or association with the wild goats that have become icons on the mountain.

Last year, Trail 65 was closed after goats became aggressive and injured some hikers.  The trail was reopened in February .

“The trail ambassadors will be wearing Forest Service volunteer shirts and FSPW hats,” said Sandy Compton of the FSPW. “They will be taking surveys about any experiences that visitors might have with mountain goats, whether confrontational or not.”

FSPW will be hiring a mountain goat education coordinator, a 20-hour a week position that will begin in mid-May and continue about 24 weeks. The coordinator will recruit, train and schedule volunteer ambassadors.

“Ambassadors will be trained in goat behavior and habits, including goat body language,” Compton said. “Individual ambassadors will hike the trail at least twice during the coming hike season, concentrating on weekends and holidays.

“This will give us opportunity to teach people about goats, ensuring their safety on the trail, as well as the future of the goats themselves.”

Contact: Sandy Compton by email, sandy@ scotchmanpeaks.org