Scotchman Peak Trail reopens

CLARK FORK — The Scotchman Peak Trail is being reopened with cautions for hikers to observe mountain goat etiquette.

U.S. Forest Service Trail No. 65 was closed in September of last year as a precautionary measure against aggressive goats which had become habituated to humans.

The habituation was the result of people enticing goats with food. The goats grew increasingly aggressive in an attempt to obtain human foods, according to the Forest Service.

A hiker was bitten last June, causing an injury which required multiple stitches. Additionally, there were numerous reports of goats attempting to head-butt or charge hikers, behaviors which can easily lead to serious injury or death.

The temporary closure was intended to allow time for the goats find other sources of food beyond the handouts provided by hikers, and to reduce their willingness to approach humans.

The Forest Service said people play an important role in keeping this popular trail open by discouraging goat encounters.

Wildlife experts recommend people stay at least 100 feet away from the goats and if goats approach, to yell, wave clothing, and throw rocks from a distance to scare them away.

It is bad goat etiquette to feed them and allow them to lick salt off your hands.

In order for the Forest Service to keep this trail open so everyone can enjoy the expansive views and frequent mountain goat sightings, people have to practice good goat etiquette and educate others if bad behavior is witnessed.