No. This post is not about an illegal moonshine operation taking place in Wacouta Township. Instead, this effort is intended to share a story about a legendary buckthorn eating goat named by locals as "White Lightning."
This goat has been AWOL since November of 2023. It has been rarely observed and was not reported seen during the November 2024 firearms deer hunting season in Frontenac State Park. On January 6th, I had the good fortune to get close enough for a few photos.
Frontenac State Park is very diverse and has several recognized ecosystems such as hardwood forests and river bottoms. One very unique ecosystem is goat prairie on the west end of the park. Goat prairies are a variant of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
A definite characteristic of a goat prairie is extreme steepness for which goats are well suited. These areas tend to be south and west facing with dry shallow soil conditions.
Historically, fires have helped to keep these areas open and well suited for native grasses. With a lack of fire, aggressive invasive plants like buckthorn and eastern red cedar quickly move in and soon take over.
Unfortunately, this was the case with the previously mentioned goat prairies. Even small buckthorn trees are capable of producing huge quantities of berries. The species name cathartica comes from the fact berries once consumed by birds quickly exit and accelerate spread of this invasive pest.
The best way to restore these goat prairies is for the state park to contract with a company to deploy a herd of 12 to 20 goats. These goats are kept in a defined area with the use of electric fencing.
This restoration effort started in 2021 and has continued for three years. These animals are on the job from July through October. During the round up and removal of goats at the end of October 2023, White Lightning decided not to cooperate. Several attempts were made to capture the free willed specimen.
None were successful.
Trees too big for the goats to eat were hand cut with chainsaws. The buckthorn and cedar debris were placed in big piles to dry out. The restoration project will be completed in the spring by having a prescribed fire.
During a short visit with Park Manager Jake Gaster on January 4th, Kathy and I learned that the elusive goat had reportedly been observed on Rattlesnake Bluff.
Sure enough. On our way home, we spotted the missing goat. This photo was taken from the shoulder of Highway 61.
In the early afternoon of January 6, I observed the elusive goat was in the same location on Rattlesnake Bluff. It was at this point I decided to try and get close enough for some good photos.
I parked my vehicle on Hill Ave and set out to enter the park and climb the 250 foot bluff with my camera in hand. Upon reaching the top. I located a field road and started hiking west to the face of the bluff.
With 50 yards remaining to the edge of the bluff, I left the trail and entered the forest. Walking as quietly as possible, in less than 5 minutes I observed movement in the thick brush. I immediately recognized "White Lightning".
Unfortunately, my camera tends to focus on the brush in front of the desired subject. I contemplated how best to get a clear photo.
After a lengthy stare down, I decided to take a couple steps and see what might happen next. Immediately the goat took off running away from me without me having much of an opportunity for a good photo.
My initial reaction was to let out a loud blat like a sheep.To my amazement, it stopped in it's tracks about 35 yards away.
Next I slowly moved behind a large bur oak tree as it stayed where it had put on the brakes. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I began bleating a few more times. Slowly it started walking toward me and stopped at 15 yards. This allowed me to capture this last photo.
To say this unique experience was memorable would be quite the understatement. In conclusion, if any of our readers have any questions or concerns regarding this legendary goat, I suggest you contact:
Jake Gaster
Frontenac State Park Manager at 651 299 3000.
WOW!!!
Informative Bruce, with your wonderful flair of telling the story.! Hopefully, White Lightning is continuing to eat the never ending growth of buckthorn! Looking forward to more goat adventures!!
Great story Bruce, your bleating like a goat reminds me of how I use to call out to the cows, to get closer for a good photograph. I must say my family said that I did sound like a cow.
Thats dedication! Staying until the job is finished. White Lightening seems to be a real free spirit. As for the dedication, that goes for you and White Lightening! Thank you for the story, Bruce.