A US hiker has been killed by a mountain goat in Olympic National ParkAn American hiker has died after being gored by a mountain goat in Olympic National Park, Washington, officials have said.
Robert Boardman, 63, was injured on Saturday as he hiked near the Park's Klahhane Ridge. He died hours later at a Port Angeles hospital.
According to witnesses, Mr Boardman, his wife and friend had stopped for lunch on Klahhane Ridge when the goat, known for its aggressive behaviour, appeared and moved towards them.
Mr Boardman tried to shoo the animal away but instead it attacked him. After goring him in the leg, the goat stood over him, and had to be pelted with rocks by a ranger before eventually moving away.
Barb Maynes, park spokeswoman, told the Peninsula Daily News that in the past ranger had tried 'hazing' the ram - making it be frightened of people - by shooting it with bean bags and throwing rocks.
But she added that there had been no reports of any incidents which would have warranted killing the animal.
Rangers later tracked down and killed the goat.
Some 300 mountain goats live in Olympic National Park. Found only in North America, they usually stand about 3ft at the shoulder and can weigh up to 300lbs.
source: dailymail
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