Awesome and Weird: ‘Triple’ The Goats Have Arrived in Poughkeepsie

In what must be the favorite time of year for employees of the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) and the Mid-Hudson Bridge maintenance crew, goats have returned to Poughkeepsie, NY.

Usually government organizations with big fancy acronyms seem like they would avoid fun at all costs. Luckily, joy and responsibility have collided in a rare instance, and now a herd of local goats have an official job to do.

"Triple the Goats" Have Arrived in Poughkeepsie, NY

"We've nearly tripled our trip of goats!", began a recent Facebook post from the NYSBA (below). The goats, seen walking underneath the Walkway Over the Hudson weren't there to sightsee, but rather to help maintenance crews with a vital responsibility.

Why Are There Goats in Poughkeepsie, NY?

The goats come from Green Goats in Rhinebeck, NY, a business that could be described as one of the most natural landscaping company in the state. Instead of using mowers, trimmers, and other loud and smelly machines, Green Goats sends their hungry herd to deal with invasive plant problems instead.

Why Goats Make Good Landscapers

Dubbed the NYSBA's "four-legged contractors", the goats have a special appetite for plants like poison ivy, meaning they can do the job of clearing unwanted vegetation more safely and easily than their human counterparts. The response from residents has been noteworthy to say the least.

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"I almost totaled my car cuz I thought I was hallucinating on N Water St", said one Poughkeepsie, NY resident after learning about the goats' purpose. "Happy to see them back, last time was in 2016, they did a fantastic job! Excited to see them again!", shared another. Check out more fascinating New York goats below.