Olympic National Park in Washington State is urging hikers not to urinate along backcountry trails to avoid attracting mountain goats who lick urine deposits for salt.
The advice is part of a plan to avoid aggressive goats like the one that gored a Port Angeles, WA man to death in October. (photo - mountain goats licking climber's back pack for salt).
The park also may close trails where goats follow people or enter campsites. Backcountry campers are advised to urinate 200 feet away from trails to prevent the trails from turning into “long, linier salt licks.”
Remember that when we are in public lands such as national forests and parks, the wildlife--though they seem to be unconcerned with humans--are still wild animals and should be treated so. Do not get too close to any wild animal, and if you detect irritation--flicking tail, ears pulled back or twitching, staring directly at you--you are too close. Back away. Any wild animal can inflict damage if it feels its safety is threatened.
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