GNP: Park Mountain Goat Study Continues
Research Activities Continue Near Logan Pass
Mountain Goat (GNP Photo)
WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park, in partnership with the University of Montana, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, are continuing mountain goat research activities this summer in the Logan Pass area. This three-year research study began late summer of 2013 to identify how mountain goats are affected by roads, people, and trails near Logan Pass. The study is a critical component of the current Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management planning effort which identified human-wildlife interactions within the corridor as an issue of concern.
Six mountain goats received radio collars in 2013 and an additional 18 animals received radio collars in summer 2014. A total of 24 mountain goats, consisting of seven males and 17 females, received collars and successfully overwintered in the Mount Cannon and Hidden Creek drainage. VHF and GPS radio collars are utilized to collect location data. VHF collars only collect a data point when they are located by an observer on the ground or in an aircraft, whereas GPS collars collect a data point every few hours and then transmit that information via satellite to a researcher’s computer.
Preliminary observational data has revealed differences between habituated and non-habituated goats. Habituated goats display different herding behavior and use habitat differently than non-habituated goats. Habituated goats often use meadow, tree, and road habitat whereas non-habituated goats generally stay near cliffs and ledges, with some use of meadow habitat. This data is preliminary so results may change as more information is gathered.
In addition to tracking radio collared animals, researchers will continue observational data collection. Mountain goats may be temporarily marked with paint in specific situations. A University of Montana graduate student will lead most of the observational research study activities, with oversight by park managers. No mountain goat captures will occur this summer.
The key objectives of the project are to determine:
- Whether the same or different goats use Logan Pass and the Highline Trail area yearly;
- Timing of goat movements into and beyond the Logan Pass/Highline Trail area;
- Relationships between goats and humans, particularly patterns of habituation and goat-directed aggression, if at all, to humans.
Additional components of the study will assess the extent to which goat reliance on humans result in ‘unnatural’ behavior including: association with human activities, facilities and infrastructure; use of roads, popular adjacent trails, and people as safe havens from predators; and effectiveness of possible deterrents to habituated goats.
To date, 22 goats are still radio collared. Two mountain goat collars are no longer transmitting. One collar apparently suffered a malfunction of the early release mechanism and fell off a male goat around July 1. Evidence indicates that the goat was not a victim of predation or a fall and is assumed to still be alive. The other mountain goat, an approximately seven-year-old female, was discovered near the base of a cliff on July 6, the apparent victim of a substantial fall. Samples were collected from this animal for laboratory analysis to determine her state of health. Data on mountain goat mortality will assist park managers and researchers in documenting causes and timing of deaths of mountain goats to gain a clear idea on what factors are influencing the mountain goat population within the park.
Visitors are reminded to keep a safe distance from wildlife. Park regulations require visitors to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards from any other animals.
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