6 replies to this topic

[keithm54]

As we browsed the fliers published by the Colorado Division of Wildlife we were pleased to see photos and warnings that included mountain goats. However, on the trail to Fern Lake we crossed paths with a park ranger who happened to notice the "stuffed" mountain goat my wife carries with her to use as a thread throughout her scrapbooking of our travels. Kidding us she said:"That's a cute goat. Don't let any other rangers see it." So of course we asked why. She said:"They're not permitted in RMNP because they compete with bighorn sheep." Puzzled, we asked what is done with them. Unless we misunderstood her she implied that they are eliminated from the park whenever possible. Anyone have a notion whether they are indigenous to the park and if so, why they would disallow their existence in the park? Thanx!

[Andy]

As we browsed the fliers published by the Colorado Division of Wildlife we were pleased to see photos and warnings that included mountain goats.  However, on the trail to Fern Lake we crossed paths with a park ranger who happened to notice the "stuffed" mountain goat my wife carries with her to use as a thread throughout her scrapbooking of our travels.  Kidding us she said:"That's a cute goat.  Don't let any other rangers see it."   So of course we asked why.  She said:"They're not permitted in RMNP because they compete with bighorn sheep."  Puzzled, we asked what is done with them.  Unless we misunderstood her she implied that they are eliminated from the park whenever possible.      Anyone have a notion whether they are indigenous to the park and if so, why they would disallow their existence in the park?  Thanx!

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It's my understanding that they are non-indigenous, that's why they're kept out. Check out this article.

[Aaron]

I believe it has something to do with how susceptible bighorn are to disease. I think they're pretty likely to get pneumonia from them or something like that. They've not very compatible as far as health concerns go for the bighorn.

--Aaron

[slowpoke]

The article states : "A bone from an extinct species of mountain goat was found in fossil deposits about 800,000 years old in Porcupine Cave, South Park."

That would indicate they might be indigenous, at least to Colorado.

[Andy]

The article states : "A bone from an extinct species of mountain goat was found in fossil deposits about 800,000 years old in Porcupine Cave, South Park."

That would indicate they might be indigenous, at least to Colorado.

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Yeah, I guess the article is pretty worthless cuz it also says "...most professional biologists doubt that the animals ever occurred in Colorado naturally."

[smudge]

maybe cavemen drove a herd of goats south to sell in mexico? and maybe one died in colorado on the way, maybe.

[Pretzel]

maybe cavemen drove a herd of goats south to sell in mexico? and maybe one died in colorado on the way, maybe.

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That's a good one Smudge!!!