SOUTHERN UTAH — The Division of Wildlife Resources will host its annual “Goat Watch” Aug. 6 on the Tushar Mountains east of Beaver. If past events are any indicator, attendees could see as many as 100 mountain goats with the unaided eye. At some previous viewings, goats have come as close as 35 feet to those viewing them.

The Goat Watch event is free and will begin at 8 a.m. at the Cardwell convenience store and gas station at 215 N. Main St. in Beaver. The station is located 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, close to 11,500 feet above sea level.

The view from the top of the Tushars is amazing, Phil Tuttle, regional conservation outreach manager for the DWR, said.

“From the top of the mountain,” Tuttle said, “you can see all of Southern Utah. The mountain goats are the icing on top of the cake.”

If binoculars or spotting scopes are needed, Tuttle will have some along. However, he recommended that anyone who has their own equipment should bring it.

Tuttle also encourages attendees to bring water, a hat, a jacket and a sack lunch. It’s also a good idea to travel in a vehicle that has high ground clearance, Tuttle said, as the road can be rocky toward the top.

In addition to seeing the mountain goats, attendees will be able to explore the alpine-tundra ecosystem in which the goats live. Found only above the timberline at high elevations, it’s an ecosystem that’s uncommon in Southern Utah. Unique animals live in this alpine-tundra terrain, including yellow-bellied marmots and pika, Tuttle said.

For more information about the goat watching event, call the DWR’s Southern Region office at 435-865-6100.