ST. GEORGE — Due to a road closure the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has canceled an event in August to see mountain goats.
The free event had been planned for Saturday, Aug. 12, from 7:30 a.m. to noon near Big John Flat on the Tushar Mountains in Beaver County.
This event was set to allow attendees to explore the 11,500-foot elevation alpine-tundra ecosystem the goats live in. Found only above the timberline, it’s an ecosystem seldom seen in Southern Utah. Other unique animals also live in this alpine-tundra terrain, including yellow-bellied marmots and pika.
Although mountain goats are often visible from the road, a hike is sometimes required to actually see the mountain goats in person. In addition to seeing mountain goats, biologists will be available to answer questions and provide information about the animals at the viewing event.
Spotting scopes will be available to provide a closer view of the goats; however, participants should bring their own binoculars if they have them. Attendees should also come prepared with warm clothing, water and a lunch because the area is quite remote and services are not available.
“Participants can usually see quite a few mountain goats and other wildlife from Big John Road, which runs through the heart of where the goats spend their summer months,” DWR Southern Region Outreach Manager Adam Kavalunas said in the news release. “The Tushar Mountains provide some of the most breathtaking views in mountain goat habitat in Utah, and the goat population there is doing well.”
Mountain goats were reintroduced to the Tushar Mountains in 1967 when DWR biologists released six animals relocated from Olympic National Park in Washington. The Tushar Mountains mountain goat herd has thrived and provided a source population for additional transplants across Utah.
While the event is free, participants were asked to register in advance on Eventbrite, but the DWR announced Monday that the event is canceled. Call the Cedar City DWR office at 435-865-6100 the day before the event to get updates.
Ed. Note: This story has been updated with information issued by the DWR.