O'Hare's New Grounds Crew: Goats

Chicago has hired a herd of goats to keep vegetation in check around O'Hare airport, reports the Tribune. About 25 goats will arrive in about a month and start chomping on 120 acres, with a focus on hard-to-mow embankments and areas with dense brush. A shepherd will be around to make sure they don't hit the runways. The city is happy because it says the $20,000 contract through the end of 2014 is cheaper than using machine mowers. And we'll guess the goats will be happy, given the possible alternative: Their owners also own a restaurant called The Butcher and the Burger, although goat burgers are not currently on the menu. (More goats stories.)