HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Huntersville Parks and Recreation has deployed a herd of goats to North Mecklenburg Park to help manage invasive plants along the greenway and mountain bike trail.
The town says the goats are expected to be at the park for about two weeks, depending on how quickly they clear the overgrowth of kudzu.
Goat grazing is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to controlling invasive plants, the town says. The technique is particularly effective in hard-to-reach areas, like steep slopes and densely wooded areas.
By naturally grazing on targeted vegetation, the goats will help encourage native plant growth and support a healthier long-term habitat for local wildlife and vegetation.
Throughout the project, the goats will remain behind a temporary electric fence. Department staff confirmed that the fencing will be checked daily to ensure the animals stay safe within the enclosure.
To protect both park visitors and the goats, Huntersville Parks and Recreation is asking people not to enter the fenced grazing area to feed or pet the animals.
Parents are asked to keep children outside the fenced perimeter and remind them to look without touching the animals.
Dog owners are also required to keep their pets on leashes at all times and give the goats plenty of space. Officials specifically urged owners whose dogs are reactive to livestock to consider avoiding the park area entirely while the goats are working.
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
