The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is reviewing the incident, though spokesperson Karen Ellison stressed that no formal investigation has been opened yet.

“Runway incursions involving wildlife are not uncommon, especially at smaller airports,” Ellison said in a statement. “However, this case is notable due to the number and type of animals involved.”

Pilots on scene praised the swift action from the control tower.

“We were holding short of the runway, and tower told us, ‘Expect delay, we’re dealing with goats,’” said Capt. Alan Reeves, a commuter airline pilot whose 9 a.m. departure was postponed. “You don’t hear that every day, but they made the right call. A 150-pound goat can do serious damage to a landing gear.”

According to FAA data, wildlife strikes — most often involving birds — have caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to aircraft over the last decade. Land mammals, including deer and coyotes, represent a smaller but still significant risk during takeoff and landing.

“Even at 80 knots on the runway, you don’t want to meet a hoofed animal,” said aviation safety consultant Dr. Priya Mandal. “This could have been much worse if it had occurred during a landing roll-out instead of during low-traffic morning taxi operations.”