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Photographer says ‘Goatman’ was descending peak to join herd

Posted at 7:17 PM, Jul 19, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-23 14:27:20-04

OGDEN -- The photographer who took pictures of what appears to be a man dressed as mountain goat on Ben Lomond peakwas identified and has spoke to wildlife officials.

Coty Creighton spoke with FOX 13 about spotting the individual while on a hike last Sunday. He says he snapped the photos as the man with a goat suit was descending the mountain face.

"He was clumsy, working his way down the cliff trying to catch up with the rest of the herd," said Creighton. "With the binoculars I could clearly see it was a guy dressed up in a homemade goat suit."

Creighton says the suit was big and furry and the man also wore heavy gloves so he could crawl on his hands and knees.

"Me and Goatman were the only people for miles around," says Creighton.

Creighton says the man lifted his mask and looked up and saw him and they watched each other for several minutes.

"He kind of slouched down, like was getting nervous or was feeling really self-conscious," Creighton said. "He actually got off his hands and knees and sat on the hill for several minutes until he thought I was gone."

Creighton has been in contact with the Division of Wildlife Services detailing his experience and describing the photos he shot of the man.

DWS says the man is not doing anything illegal, but they are concerned for his safety, as mountain goats can, on rare occasions, be aggressive enough to inflict serious harm. They also worry as hunting season nears, the individual dressed as a goat could be mistaken for wild game.