Goats Protecting Us

This herd of goats is brought into our open spaces periodically to help keep us safe from wildfire. There are a couple of herd dogs to keep the goats safe from people and predators. The care takers live in a mobile home powered by solar energy just out of view.

[JackieR]

How interesting! That one definitely clocked you,!

[Beryl Lloyd]

What a beautiful herd ,and no doubt enjoying the plentiful grass . I had never heard of them used like this ! - but it makes sense !

[Ann H. LeFevre]

An interesting and innovative way to deal with the overgrowth. I like it! I also think goats are a lot of fun!

[Sharon Lee]

that's a lot of goats... nice capture

[Jane Pittenger]

I just heard about them on NPR

[wendy frost]

Great capture and an ideal use of the goats they eat anything.

[Valerie Chesney]

Wonderful idea & a great capture of this herd of goats..

[Diana]

Fabulous narrative and shot.

[Casablanca]

How interesting and a lovely image

[Rob Z]

So many goats - and the one at the front is delightfully interested in you. How do they help protect you from fire?

[aikiuser (jenn)]

I guess by keeping down the weeds is how they keep the territory fire-safe? Super fun group of kids

[Peter Dulis]

lovely capture ...

[Shutterbug]

@robz @aikiuser The grasses in the open space areas grow tall and get very dry after months with no rain. It takes practically nothing to ignite them. Cigarettes carelessly discarded are one cause and even weed whackers and mowers can start a fire if they clip a rock. So we use goats to eat the dry vegetation...mowing it down.

[Susan Wakely]

Interesting. I think goats have a mischievous look.

[Rob Z]

@shutterbug49 Thanks Shutterbug - good way to keep safe. :)

[*lynn]

Nice composition with all the goats in the background.