MOUNTAIN GOAT VIEWING WITH UTAH DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

On Saturday, Aug. 7, the Division of Wildlife Resources will host its annual Mountain Goat Watch on the Tushar Mountains east of Beaver. This free event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Sinclair convenience store and gas station located at 215 N. Main St. in Beaver. (The station is at the start of state Route 153, in the center of town.)

From the station, participants will caravan to the top of the Tushar Mountains. When you reach the top, you will be close to 11,500 feet above sea level. The DWR will have some spotting scopes to use, but if you have your own viewing equipment, please bring it. We also suggest you to bring water, a hat, a jacket and a sack lunch. It is also a good idea to travel in a vehicle that has high ground clearance since the road is quite rocky towards the top of the mountain.

In addition to seeing as many as 100 mountain goats, this viewing event will allow you to explore the alpine-tundra ecosystem in which the goats live. Found only above the timberline at high elevations, this ecosystem is uncommon in southern Utah. Keep your eye out for other unique animals, including yellow-bellied marmots and pika, which live in this alpine-tundra terrain.

For more information about the mountain goat watching event, call Johnny Neil at 435-868-8756.