Goats Clearing Brush and Luring Crowds in L.A.

In just a few days the goats can clear acres of brush.

"By now, the fourth year that the goats have been used to clear the steep hillside known as Angel's Knoll, they have become a summer tradition. The herd of mostly female South African Boer goats - roughly 60 adults and 60 kids - came from San Diego, and each day, the throngs of onlookers - bankers and lawyers, tourists and families - have gathered to gawk at the brown and white and spotted creatures. The goats seem unperturbed by the nearby tram, Angels Flight, that carries people up the hill, or the constant photo snapping and the eager hands that reach out to pet them.

These goats, Mr. Gonzales said, are adept at dealing with noise and people. (Don't go looking for urban grass-fed goat meat or cheese from these animals; Mr. Gonzales said he had no plans to market their products for food. Besides, he added, the meat would probably not be tender anyway.)"