Understanding the Odd Behaviors of Goats: A Peek into their Unusual Nature
In a surprising turn of events, a goat in Colorado made headlines by breaking into an office, thanks to its impressive ability to shatter a glass door by butting its head against it. This curious creature, embodying the independent spirit that goats are known for, ran off as if nothing had happened after being rescued.
Goats, unlike their sheep counterparts, are renowned for their natural curiosity and independence. This trait is on full display in Morocco, where goats climb up to 30 feet to reach the bitter, aromatic argan fruits that ripen in June. The increase in argan oil production has led to a rise in goat populations, making these animals a common sight on argan trees.
Their adaptability is further demonstrated by their ability to escape from confined spaces and appear in places humans find difficult to reach. This was evident in Greece, where a goat was rescued after hanging from a power line by its horns in March 2016, with no apparent jumping-off points.
Goats' unusual behaviors extend beyond their physical prowess. Some goats, known as fainting goats, have a genetic trait that causes their muscles to stiffen when startled, causing them to temporarily fall over. Goats are also known to dig unexpectedly in their pens, a behavior that is unusual for these animals who typically prefer browsing or grazing rather than digging holes.
Goats' playful and goofy antics are another highlight. They often climb on unusual objects, engage with their environment in entertaining ways, and react humorously to shade and sun exposure. In addition, goats will sometimes eat plants that other animals avoid, such as poison ivy, showcasing their hearty and varied diet.
Goats' unique reactions and expressions make them distinctively engaging animals to observe. University of Maryland sheep and goat expert Susan Schoenian finds goats to exhibit the oddest behavior among all livestock she's worked with.
In other parts of the world, goats have become a challenge to keep in a pen, requiring a moat to contain them. In Utah, the Division of Wildlife Resources uses helicopters to control the state's goat populations by moving them from one region to another.
After consuming the nut inside the argan fruit, goats excrete remains containing a highly profitable oil used in cosmetics. This oil is a significant source of income for Moroccan farmers, contributing to the increase in goat populations.
From breaking into offices in Colorado to hanging from power lines in Greece, goats continue to amaze and entertain us with their unusual behaviors and impressive climbing skills. Their curious nature, adaptability, and sometimes quirky genetic traits make them fascinating and entertaining animals.
- The lifestyle of goats is a captivating mix of adventure and entertainment, as seen in Morocco where they climb trees to reach aromatic argan fruits, and in Greece where a goat was rescued from a power line.
- Goats' wildlife behaviors, such as their ability to extract a profitable oil from argan fruits in Morocco, or their unusual genetic traits like fainting when startled, provide fascinating entertainment and add to their charm.
