Mount Timpanogos, Utah – On August 20, an emergency response team in Utah issued a warning to people hiking with their dogs. The Timpanogos Emergency Response Team (TERT) said that the “third dog in as many weeks” was killed by a mountain goat on August 19.

The most recent incident involved an off-leash dog who “harassed” a mother goat with babies; the goat pushed the dog off a cliff.

TERT said:

It is the responsibility of dog owners to keep their animals under control at all times, as well as to pack out their waste. Allowing your dogs to chase goats carries fines akin to poaching

Reminding hikers that on the mountain, goats and wildlife have the right of way and that people (and their dogs) are guests in their space. Mountain goats are generally “mellow” and will walk close to people, but they are protective of their young.

The response team cited a 2021 incident involving a dog named Ruby who rounded a corner of the Emerald Lake shelter at the same time a goat did. The goat ran the fleeing dog down, and threw her into the air, leaving the dog battered with puncture wounds.

Hikers should remain aware of their surroundings and keep dogs under their direct control to prevent fatal encounters. Keeping a safe distance of approximately 50 yards is recommended.

(photos via TERT Facebook)

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