MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WPDE) — The beloved goats on Goat Island in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina will not be returning for the 2023 season.

Al Hitchcock, the owner of Drunken Jack's Restaurant and Lounge in South Carolina, said on Facebook that "relocating the goats on and off the island is stressful for them."

He added that Mother Nature has had an effect on the island through the the years. Plus, the coastal area suffered major erosion during Hurricane Ian last fall.

We have been observing the island during the daily high tides and there is just not enough land for the goats to safely roam. Of course, this will be even worse when we endure the King Tides that are in the forecast this year," he said.

The main concern is the safety of the goats and not to traumatize them. For that reason, they said they "can not consciously bring them back to the island in its current state."

Hitchcock said they are researching environmentally responsible solutions to restore the island in hopes they can one day bring them home.

The goats live on Goat Island every year from April through November to help keep the undergrowth under control.

Anyone who knows of any proper revitalization options to restore and stabilize Goat Island can leave a message at 843-651-1361.

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