Overrun goat island calls in hunters to curb its hungry herd
An army of 800 wild goats which have devastated an Italian island paradise may be shot, as frustrated politicians recruit hunters for a major cull after efforts to capture the animals failed.
The goats have devoured vegetation and destroyed ancient dry stone walls on Alicudi, a stunning volcanic island off Sicily where residents take shelter in their homes as the horned animals, weighing up to 120kg, rampage through their gardens.
Giovanni Dell'Acqua, a Sicilian rural development official, said: 'They eat everything, they are dangerous and a cull is the only solution left.'
After a few goats escaped from captivity on the island 20 years ago, they have multiplied fast, reaching a headcount of 600 in 2023 and 800 today, far more than the human population of 120. While gobbling their way through cacti, olive trees and caper plants, the goats move in herds along the island's steep narrow paths, scaring off hikers.
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