Courtesy of Danielle Langloism, Wikipedia CCLIreland’s Bilberry Goats
These magnificent feral goats are a key attraction at Waterford, Ireland’s National Heritage Week Aug. 22-30th.
The goats have been living on Bilberry Rock overlooking Waterford for more than 400 years and are said to be the only ones of their kind worldwide. Some think the goats were brought to Ireland by French Huguenots who bred them from central Asian Pashmina Down goats.
Goats aside, Waterford Heritage Week serves food of the middle ages, including pigeon pie, and this year offers a special commemoration of the world’s first motoring fatality. On Aug. 29, the Birr Historical Society is to remember Mary Ward, a scientist thought to be the first person to die in a motoring accident when she fell beneath the wheels of a steam-powered car in the area in 1869.
Eds. Note: In this post, Bilberry goat keeper Martin Doyle speaks — vividly — about the Bilberry bucks’ rutting behavior:
“The goats stand facing the wind, fill their lungs to capacity, and then urinate on to their own faces and noses before exhaling a scent called “the love potion” to attract females. The scent, which can travel up to six miles, is “better than any after-shave and while it may not smell good, it’s a great aphrodisiac.”
I’m wondering if there are no predators on Bilberry? The goats are magnificent!
I haven’t found anything on natural predators in that area but did find some interesting stuff at http://bilberrygoats.wordpress.com/ including the fact that they may become extinct due to the most dangerous predator of all – humans.
Hi Aileen:
No predators on Bilberry Rock. However we do have problems with dogs wandering into the area at night, but as you know goats are well able to take care of themselves. Humans are in fact the biggest danger to the Bilberry Goat Herd.
Best wishes and thank you,
Martin Doyle
Herd Keeper
Bilberry Goats