If you spot hundreds of goats roaming through Towsley Canyon, don’t be alarmed – they’re there to help!

Nearly 300 goats have arrived at Towsley Canyon, with a full crew of about 600 expected by the end of the week, as part of an eco-friendly effort to reduce wildfire risk in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Over the next several weeks, the goats will clear nearly 50 acres of dry brush and vegetation along The Old Road… one bite at a time.

 

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The project, led by the City of Santa Clarita in partnership with CAPRA Environmental Services, uses targeted grazing as a natural way to manage overgrown vegetation that can fuel wildfires.

Instead of heavy machinery or chemical treatments, these “hard-working grass guzzlers” are tasked with eating through invasive weeds, dry grasses and other fire-prone brush – all while leaving behind natural fertilizer.

Are The Goats Safe?

CAPRA Environmental Services says the goats are well cared for and closely monitored while they’re on the job.

Ricardo Torres | KHTS

All goats are up to date on vaccinations and deworming, and receive proper medical care when needed. A trained goat herder is also on-site to make sure the animals stay where they are supposed to and remain safe throughout the project, according to CAPRA. 

While they may be working, the goats aren’t overworked – they graze at their own pace, taking breaks as needed while enjoying fresh air, water and open space.

What Do The Goats Eat?

These goats aren’t picky and that’s exactly what makes them so effective!

They naturally gravitate toward many of the plants that are considered invasive or problematic, including blackberry, ragweed, mulberry, vetch, thistle, poison ivy and wild mustard, among others. They’ll also eat grasses, but tend to focus more on thick brush and weeds when it’s available.

That appetite helps target the kinds of vegetation that can quickly dry out and become dangerous fire fuel.

Why Use Goats For Fire Prevention?

City officials describe goat grazing as a “win-win” approach, protecting land, people and wildlife all at once.

Unlike traditional brush-clearing methods, goats don’t rely on herbicides or heavy machinery. That means no chemical runoff into local water systems and no pollution from equipment. 

Ricardo Torres | KHTS

They’re also uniquely equipped for the terrain.

Santa Clarita’s hillsides and rocky areas can be difficult and sometimes dangerous for crews to access. Goats, however, are built for it. They can easily climb steep slopes and navigate tight spaces, reducing the need for workers to operate in risky conditions.

Using goats can also come at a lower cost, with grazing services sometimes saving up to 50% compared to traditional brush-clearing methods involving crews and machinery.

While the goats are on the job through mid-April, residents are encouraged to enjoy the sight, from a safe distance.

Officials remind the public to look, but not touch, avoid feeding the animals, and allow them to graze undisturbed as they do their work.

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