It Doesn’t Get More Wyoming Than This Mountain Goat Traffic Jam
Wyoming is known for its traffic jams.
What is special about our traffic jams is they usually involve large amounts of animals.
Sometimes it's even large amounts of large animals.
This video was taken outside of Jackson in the Snake River Canyon.
It's a common site this time of year to see herds of mountain goats on the road, and believe it or not, it is normal to see them licking the road too.
Before we deep dive into why these goats are licking the road, can we just talk for a moment about how clean and brilliantly white their coats are?
How on earth can they live in the mountains and look that good?
My kids get covered in dirt and mud just walking to the end of the road for the bus.
In case any of you are wondering WHY these goats are licking the road, the answer is salt.
Goats need salt to help maintain a healthy appetite and body weight. The right minerals can also be essential for muscle, nerve and immune system functions and for sound reproductive health.
Domestic goats are usually given salt blocks but wild mountain goats need to get creative.
While there are natural mineral deposits in the mountains (goats have been known to travel more than 15 miles to get to them) these clever animals have learned that during the winter our roads are an easy way to get the minerals they need.
Gross Fun Fact: Goats have been known to stick close to trails and follow hikers around in the hopes of getting access to salt from urine deposits.
Science lesson aside, I think we can all agree it's always an awe-inspiring experience to see these animals up close.
These Wyoming traffic jams are definitely part of what we love about living in the Cowboy State.