Exotic animals keep PSW looking its best
A camel enjoys a noxious weed lunch at Pine Street Woods.
Photo by Fiona Hicks Photography
By LAUREN REICHENBACH, Bonner County Daily Bee
Staff Writer | August 4, 2023 1:00 AM
Camels and llamas and yaks – oh my!
Bears, cougars, skunks, raccoons – you name it, the region probably has a population of said critters. However, Sandpoint recently had some unusual furry visitors at the Pine Street Woods — ones that probably had visitors doing a double take when they pulled into the parking lot.
Camels, yaks, goats and llamas paid a visit to the woods last month as part of a weed management effort by Kaniksu Land Trust. For the past three summers, shepherd Chris Wujek has brought his herd of furry friends to the woods to chomp away at the noxious weeds that grow in the fields in the area.
“[Every year, the animals graze] on hawkweed, tansy and wild rose while leaving behind rich fertilizer in the meadow,” Marcy Timlin, KLT director of communications, said. “Employing temporary electric fencing, Chris moves the herd each day to eventually graze the entire meadow.”
