Hikers on Sacagawea Peak report the resident mountain goat herd has developed a new skill set this summer. The goats have learned to manipulate zipper pulls with their lips, targeting day packs left unattended during summit breaks.
“I turned around for thirty seconds to take a photo of the Bridger Range,” said Dale Hargrove of Belgrade, “and the big billy had my first aid kit open. He took the electrolyte tablets. Left the bandages.”
Forest Service wildlife biologist Marnie Culpepper confirmed the behavior is learned, not instinctual. She believes the goats observed hikers opening packs over thousands of interactions. The herd now works in pairs — one distracts with a salt lure while the other goes for the zipper.
Local hiking forums have exploded with zipper defense strategies. Some suggest binder clips. Others recommend packing decoy bags filled with rocks. A few hikers have started carrying extra salt blocks as tribute, which Culpepper says only reinforces the behavior.
The goats show remarkable selectivity. They ignore cameras and phones but target electrolyte powders, trail mix, and anything in a stuff sack that crinkles. One nanny goat has figured out the magnetic fidlock buckles on newer hydration packs.
Ranger district staff posted signs at the Fairy Lake trailhead advising hikers to keep packs on their bodies. The signs lasted two days before the goats chewed the bottom corners off.
Hargrove said he watched the billy goat sort through his pack with the patience of a TSA agent. “He shook out each pouch. Nodded at the Clif Bar. Rejected the headlamp. It was the most thorough gear inspection I’ve ever had.”
Summit register entries now include goat encounter logs alongside weather observations. The herd appears to have a rotation schedule. Hikers report different individuals on different days, each with distinct techniques.
Culpepper says the behavior will likely spread to adjacent peaks. The goats use the ridgelines as highways. She expects Bridger and Naya peaks to see zipper activity by September.
Hargrove plans to return next weekend with a pack full of rocks and one electrolyte tablet as an offering. He says it feels like paying rent.