Feral goats are a significant issue on Hawaii's Big Island. They were introduced as a food source but have since become a large, invasive species, impacting the environment. They graze extensively, stripping bark from trees, thinning the forest canopy, and leading to soil erosion. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) estimates there are around 2,000 feral goats on the island, spread across 100,000 acres.

Goats on the Big Island will eat fountain grass, but they will only do so if it's the only food source available. Fountain grass is considered nutritionally poor, and goats will typically prioritize more palatable and nutritious native plants if they are available.