- Grazing goats are back in Eagle Mountain to manage weeds and reduce wildfire risk this summer.
- The goats, managed by Whittney Wiberg, offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution.
- City officials have praised the goats for improving the environment and providing community enjoyment.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN — An unconventional but highly effective "front‑line defense" is back on duty in Eagle Mountain, where hundreds of grazing goats are helping the city tackle weeds, improve soil health and reduce wildfire risk — one mouthful at a time.
For the second year in a row, the city has hired a herd of nearly 200 goats to consume dry, invasive vegetation often referred to as "flash fuels." What began as the "City Goat Grazing Experimental Project" has quickly become one of Eagle Mountain's most successful and beloved land‑management strategies.
A natural solution with a lot of personality
The goats, owned and managed by Whittney Wiberg, spend their days clearing undeveloped sites, detention ponds and open corridors — areas that are difficult and costly to maintain with traditional equipment.
"It's not the landscaping crew you might expect to see," Wiberg joked as the goats bleated loudly around her. "Last year was our first year doing it and we had great success. It was really good."
City officials said the results speak for themselves.
"This is more cost-effective, and it's more green and eco‑friendly," one city leader explained. "With the goats, they're able to just eat all the vegetation. They also are able to provide some joy to the community as well, because they're just so fun and cute to look at."
More than just weed control
Wiberg said the goats' "targeted grazing" does far more than clear weeds. It improves soil health, helps restore native plant communities and creates natural fire breaks — an increasingly important benefit as wildfire risks grow across Utah.
"My favorite part is when you turn them out into a new place," she said. "They're going crazy because they're excited to eat."
But she's quick to dispel one common myth.
"Goats have their favorite foods too," she laughed. "They don't just eat anything."
And while most of the herd remains nameless, a few standouts earn special recognition.
"If you do have a name, it's because you're either really cute or you're a really big stinker," Wiberg said.
A community effort
Wiberg said she loves the herd and enjoys watching residents — especially children — learn about agriculture and animal care.
"It feels nice to let people learn about animals and agriculture," she said.
As the goats continue their work, the city is reminding residents to admire them from a distance. While they may be adorable, they're also on the clock, and keeping them focused and safe is essential.
The "goat force," as some have begun calling it, will continue grazing through the season — quietly (except for the bleating), sustainably and effectively keeping Eagle Mountain beautiful.
