Hikers in Oregon and Washington beauty spots warned to watch out for unexpectedly angry animals
Hikers have been warned to watch out for angry animals causing chaos across hundreds of miles of picturesque countryside spanning Oregon and Washington.
The Bureau of Land Management has issued an alert about 'aggressive mountain goats' following several incidents involving boaters on the Grande Ronde River.
Officials shared the advisory for areas between Alder Creek close to Portland, and Meadow Creek which lies around 300 miles east of the Oregon city.
'Recently, boaters have encounter two aggressive nannies in the area with their kids,' Oregon and Washington's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said in the alert.
'Wildlife can be dangerous, especially when protecting their young, so please avoid camping in any location where mountain goats or other wildlife are present.'
Hikers could come across several animals including mountain lions, bobcats, moose and mountain goats close to the Grande Ronde River, according to the BLM.
The river winds northwest through the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest just east of the Blue Mountains in Oregon, through to the mid-Snake River in Washington.
While it is relatively rare to encounter a mountain goat on the route, several unlucky boaters have come into contact with them this year.
The BLM advised staying at least 50 yards away from mountain goats, keeping dogs leashed, and urinating at least 50 yards away from the trail or campsite.
Officials also urged hikers to avoid feeding the horned animals, or leaving clothes, gear or food unattended.
If a mountain goat approaches, hikers should try to back away slowly rather than running as this could encourage the angry animals to chase.
The BLM advises yelling at the goats if they charge, while waving your arms in the air and throwing rocks in their direction to ward them away.
Anyone who encounters any aggressive wildlife should contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife via 541-426-3279. Dial 911 for emergencies.
Deadly mountain goat attacks are extremely rare.
The last recorded fatality from a goat attack in the US was October 2010, when a man was gored in Washington state while he was having a picnic with his wife and friend.
Robert Boardman suffered a deadly leg wound when a goat, which was known for its aggressive behavior, charged at him on Klahhane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
After goring the 63-year-old hiker, the goat stood over him and rangers pelted it with rocks until it retreated.
Boardman was transported by US Coast Guard helicopter to the hospital in Port Angeles, where he was pronounced dead.
Mountain goats are around three to four foot tall on average. Males weigh 150 to 300 pounds on average, while females weigh between 125 and 250 pounds.
Experts estimate that around 3,500 mountain goats live across Oregon and Washington.
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