Attention, Hikers – Beware Of Goats

A popular hiking trail in northern Idaho -has been temporarily shut down by the U.S. Forest Service so that hikers won’t get mugged by mountain goats. The path to the highest peak in Bonner county –Scotchman Peak—is a known hangout for the goats that have been known to charge at, bite and even head-butt hikers.

They’re apparently getting aggressive because some visitors have been feeding them. Not a good idea, the Forest Service says. . That can cause the animals to behave aggressively in an attempt to get even more food.

The precaution is serious as a hiker was fatally injured in 2010 after being gored by a goat in Olympia National Park in Washington.

The Idaho trail will stay closed until the goats learn to go elsewhere for lunch.