They’re baaack.
The City is once again employing goats to assist with wildfire prevention and vegetation management.
Goat grazing is an effective, sustainable method for fuel reduction, especially in steep terrain or in sensitive habitats. First used by the City last September, more than 200 goats are now chowing down on black mustard, artichoke thistle and other non-native plants on the western slope of the Oso Creek Trail, between Jeronimo and Casta Del Sol. Two guard dogs are also working to protect the herd from predators such as coyotes.
Some fun facts about goats:
- Goats are among the earliest domesticated animals. They started living with people 10,000 years ago.
- Goats love to eat weeds. Their favorite is the yellow mustard that you see all over hillsides in your neighborhood.
- Goats browse, meaning they reach up to the top of a plant stalk, push it over, then eat the leaves and flowers. Sheep, deer, cows, horses and other animals graze looking down and eat short grasses and weeds.
- The female goat is called a “doe” or a “nanny.” The male goat is called a “buck” or a “billy.” A baby goat is called a “kid.”
- Goats do not have teeth in their upper front jaw, but goats have 24 molars used to grind their food. Myth buster: they do not eat tin cans, clothing, or garbage.
- Goats don’t like to get wet. They seek shelter when it’s raining and avoid water such as streams and ponds.
- Goats have 4 stomachs, after they graze or browse, they rest for a while to digest the weeds.
- They are known for their loud burps as they digest food. They also like to “scream.”
Mission Viejo’s goats are provided by Sage Environmental Group.
