Wildlife officials in Oregon have issued a warning to campers and boaters after a dog was injured by mountain goats that approached a family’s campsite near the Grande Ronde River in northeastern Oregon.
According to Holly Tuers Lance, a district wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the incident occurred between Meadow Creek and Alder Creek. Two mountain goats approached the family’s campsite, and their dog — reportedly let off-leash — tried to chase them away. One of the goats, both of which were female (also called nannies), likely gored the dog, resulting in a puncture wound on one of its legs.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Oregon-Washington office later issued a Facebook alert, warning the public about “two aggressive nannies” in the area. However, Tuers Lance explained that the goats were likely acting defensively rather than aggressively.
“In springtime, goats, along with other ungulates such as elk and sheep, typically give birth and begin raising their young,” she said. “It’s likely the family camped in an area between the nannies and their kids. The goats were probably just trying to protect or reach their young.”
Tuers Lance emphasized the importance of keeping pets on leashes around wildlife and shared advice for safely coexisting with mountain goats and other wild animals.
“Give the goats lots and lots of space,” she advised. “Goats, sheep, and elk are often seen along the Grande Ronde River, but people should avoid feeding or approaching them.”
She recommended maintaining at least 50 yards of distance from these animals. Additionally, campers should avoid urinating on trails or near campsites. Instead, they should do so in rivers or at least 50 yards away to prevent creating saltlicks, which can draw animals closer.
In case of a mountain goat encounter, Tuers Lance advised slowly backing away while maintaining eye contact. If the goat continues to approach, people should try to scare it off by yelling, raising their arms, or throwing sticks or small stones.
“It’s better if you just leave them alone,” she said. “And they’ll leave you alone.”
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