The goat probably would have looked something like this. (File photo)

Police and fire crews rushed to help a man desperately yelling for help after getting stuck in a Queenstown ravine – only to find it was actually a goat.

A concerned passer-by called emergency services on Sunday afternoon after hearing what they believed were the distressed shouts of someone trapped near Gorge Rd in Arthurs Point.

Police dashed to the site and a search and rescue crew was notified, but after scouring the scene decided it was more likely the fraught calls for help were actually the bleats of something rather more sure-footed.

JOHN EDENS/ STUFF A concerned passer-by called emergency services on Sunday afternoon after hearing what they believed were the distressed shouts of someone trapped near Gorge Rd in Arthurs Point. (File photo)

A spokesman said: "Police are confident the calls for help were actually the sound of a goat.

"We made an assessment, we spoke to the caller, we advised search and rescue and police went to the scene, but our unit were confident that the calls were goats."

The spokesman promised police never never kid around when it comes to public safety, saying: "We take any calls for assistance seriously."