Wild goats takeover on Italian island prompts free capture offer
Alicudi, a secluded Italian island with a population of just 100, is currently facing a goat invasion. The island's residents are now offering the wild goats for free to anyone who can help capture them. Join the adventure on this remote island overrun by playful goats!
The tiny, remote Italian island of Alicudi is home to only around 100 residents and, ideally, about 100 wild goats.
This year, however, the ratio of humans to animals has become wildly unbalanced.
The island is facing a problem with too many goats, with six times more than the ideal number living there. In fact, it has the highest goat population per person compared to any other place that keeps track of such information. Mayor Riccardo Gullo is asking for assistance from anyone who can help address this issue.
According to Gullo, it doesn't matter if you have experience in taking care of goats. What's important is that you have a boat to transport the goats off the island after capturing them.
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Thor/Adobe Stock
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Local authorities have implemented an "adopt-a-goat" program to address the issue of overpopulation. These goats have been causing trouble by encroaching on residential areas, invading homes, and munching on anything they can find in public parks, private gardens, and hedges. They even attempt to climb stone walls, which often collapse under their weight. In short, they’re not exactly the greatest of all time.
The goats were brought to the island of Alicudi about 20 years ago by a farmer who released them.
Since then, these goats have roamed freely on the cliffs of Alicudi without any specific owner. They have become a common sight on postcards showcasing the beauty of this volcanic island.
But if they are not managed properly, goats can quickly multiply.
The mayor mentioned that those who are interested in adopting up to 50 goats can submit a formal request to the community by April 10. He also mentioned that he is willing to extend the deadline until all the goats have been taken in.
Alicudi island, Italy
Alicudi island, Italy
Silvia Marchetti
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To make your request official, simply email the local authority and pay a €16 (around $17) stamp fee.
Gullo mentioned that they have received feedback from many individuals since the initial announcement, such as a goat cheese producer from the nearby island of Vulcano.
He added that ideally, it would be better for people to try to domesticate the animals rather than eat them. However, the authorities will not be investigating the intentions of anyone who adopts a goat.
Once the goats have been assigned, the person taking them must catch and remove them from the island within 15 days.
While the giveaway will continue until the native herd is greatly reduced, a few will be left to pose for tourists.
Alicudi is the least inhabited of the seven Aeolian islands—the chain off Sicily’s northern coast that includes Stromboli and Lipari.
The island is famous for its local specialty, LSD bread, which was banned in the 1950s. It is a favorite destination for tourists arriving on sailboats and volcano enthusiasts, who can witness the frequent eruptions of nearby Stromboli.
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The rugged island they visited has a large volcanic cone rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea. It has no hotels or roads. Instead, transportation is provided by mules and donkeys that navigate steep climbing paths, as mentioned on the Visit Sicily website.
Alicudi is not the only location to experience a surprising arrival of wandering goats. In June, residents of a neighborhood in McKinney, Texas were surprised to find 40 runaway goats wandering around their lawns. The goats had broken away from a herd grazing at a nearby development and were seen taking bites out of the residents' lawns.
During the coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, the people of Llandudno, Wales were surprised to see groups of goats wandering the streets. Over fifteen goats had come down from the hill overlooking the town.
Editor's P/S:
The overpopulation of goats on the tiny Italian island of Alicudi is a testament to the delicate balance of nature and the impact of human intervention. The goats, initially introduced to the island, have thrived in the absence of natural predators, leading to an explosion in their population. This has resulted in a significant disruption to the island's ecosystem, as the goats compete with local wildlife for food and resources.
The "adopt-a-goat" program initiated by the local authorities is a creative solution to address the issue of overpopulation. It is heartening to see that individuals and organizations are stepping forward to provide homes for these animals. However, it is crucial to ensure that the goats are properly cared for and that their adoption does not lead to further complications. The program should be monitored closely to prevent any unintended consequences and to ensure the long-term well-being of both the goats and the island's ecosystem.
