The Bay Area Rapid Transit commonly referred to as BART has taken adapted a rather unusual yet effect measure to reduce the risk of fires near train tracks. For the past two years BART has deployed goats to eat away dried up grass adjacent to the tracks. This has proven to be a win win situation for the transit agency, the goats want to eat the grass and BART wants to mitigate the risk of fires in a sustainable manor. Previously, heavy machinery was used resulting in a greater risk of fire and increased noise in the area.
Deploying Goats And Sheep Across The Network
BART has specifically chosen the right animals for the job. According to BART, sheep and goats belong to the same subfamily however, sheep prefer grazing grasses while goats prefer woody plants. Goats and sheep are rotated through the rail network every few years to balance things out. Many employees have noted key differences in the animals personalities. According to BART Irrigation Tech Josh Soltero, “The sheep look like fluffy goats,” he said. “But the goats are a little friendlier. They’ll come up to you and feel you out. The sheep are more standoffish.” BART will continue deploying the animals in the future on an as needed basis. The sheep have even inspired the transit agency to make an anime inspired mascot inspired by the sheep and goats.
