"No one is herding us": on the Italian island, they are looking for "foster families" for wild goats

Wild goats are breeding uncontrollably on the small Italian island of Alicudi. Currently, their number is six times higher than the number of local residents. Therefore, the island's authorities have found an unexpected solution and offer everyone to "adopt" horned animals. 

This was reported by SSPDaily.

Alicudi is part of the Lipari Islands. It is a tiny volcanic island with an area of only 5.2 km². According to the 2021 census, only 105 people live on the island. However, according to local authorities, the goat "population" is estimated to be at least six hundred.

It is noted that goats appeared on the island about 20 years ago. They were brought in for farming, but the business plan failed, so the horned animals were left to their fate.

In the warm climate of the Italian island, where there are no natural enemies, the goats seem to have found themselves in a nature reserve. Initially, they lived on the rocks of the island and even became a tourist attraction in Alicudi.

But the lack of control over the population led to the fact that their number began to increase exponentially. Now the animals regularly come down to the settlements and raid people's homes and green spaces.

"We don't even want to consider the option of breeding the animals, so we propose to give them away to the locals. Anyone can apply for a goat - a person does not have to be a farmer. There are no restrictions on the number of animals," said the island's mayor, Riccardo Gullo.

He added that any number of goats can be "adopted" until April 10.

"We have already had several phone calls, including one from a farmer on the island of Vulcano who would like to adopt several goats. Among other things, he produces ricotta cheese, which is very much appreciated," the mayor said.