Drivers in the Bay Area have been puzzled to see flocks of goats lining the freeways over the past few days. There have been some notable slowdowns as drivers gawp at what is happening around them. But it is all worth it. Gary Richards, the transit correspondent of the San Jose Mercury News, explains:

It would take Caltrans two months, perhaps, to cut the vegetation in this area with a crew of a dozen. Anywhere from 300 to 600 goats can do the same work in a week-plus, and they eat everything — poison ivy and berry vines included — for around $700 an acre.

And, unlike human laborers, the goats don’t leave any debris that needs to be hauled away.

At this time of year, vegetation by the roadside is a serious fire risk. I’m very impressed that the State Government can come up with such innovative solutions to their problems.