Predators Pose a Risk to Livestock

OMAHA (DTN) -- Predators cause approximately $4 million in losses annually to Kansas cattle producers, based on 2020 market values. The state's small ruminant operations (sheep and goats) see losses of about $750,000 per year.

Livestock producers have various non-lethal control methods to keep livestock safe, according to an extension specialist (https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/…).

TEND TO DEAD LIVESTOCK

Dead livestock tend to attract predators, such as coyotes, according to Kansas State University Extension wildlife specialist Drew Ricketts. Ricketts recommends proper disposal of carcasses away from calving, lambing and kidding areas to lower the risk of a predator attack. Young livestock are especially vulnerable, he said.

"All wild predators in Kansas are mainly scavenging when feeding on large food items like livestock," Ricketts said. "If we have dead livestock near those areas, then we are exposing ourselves to more predation by attracting predators to a food source, so composting and hauling off dead animals is crucial and often overlooked."

While coyotes are the main predators of livestock in Kansas, there are others. Domestic dogs account for a sizeable portion of predation incidents as well.

Mississippi calf losses from dogs ranks right up there with losses from coyotes, according to a Mississippi State University Extension publication (http://extension.msstate.edu/…).

Both domestic and feral dogs can cause extensive damage once they start to attack livestock. They are often in packs, and these dog packs can harass and chase livestock for several hours at a time. Injured animals may be chased persistently, according to the publication.

Losses from dogs running and attacking cattle can include damaged fences as a result of livestock attempting to escape, cattle injuries, exhaustion, weight loss, calf loss, and abortion.

Predators are more likely to be a problem for cattle producers when food supplies are scarce and competition is high, the report stated.

Predators on the ground will also compete with airborne predators. Black vultures, ravens and crows commonly scavenge carcasses.

In some instances, these birds of prey may attack live animals. Cattle that are unable to escape or defend themselves may be killed.

FENCES KEEP LIVESTOCK SAFE

To keep predators away, producers can strategically fence locations to keep dogs and coyotes away from livestock, Ricketts said.

"I suggest woven wire fences with 4-inch by 4-inch squares," he said. "If you've got 12-inch-wide openings six inches tall, coyotes can squeeze right through those fences."

Ricketts said there are also some excellent designs for electrified fencing. Coyotes and other predators can climb over a fence so you are trying to achieve 100% exclusion, there will need to be a hot wire on top or have a tall enough fence.

Predators may also try to expose a fence's weakness by digging under it. This presents an opportunity to catch them, he said.

"So, don't plug those holes, call me or your local extension office, and I'll come out and show you how to target and trap those coyotes causing problems," Ricketts said.

NIGHT PENNING/GUARDIAN ANIMALS IMPORTANT PRACTICES

Another practice producers may choose to do is night penning or securing their livestock in a barn or other structure during night hours, Ricketts said. Considering coyotes usually hunt around sunrise, sunset and through the night, this is one of the most effective ways to exclude predation especially for small ruminant producers.

Guardian animals can also keep livestock safe from predators. Species often used as guardians include llamas, donkeys and dogs.

Non-lethal control strategies remain the most common operation for black vultures, due to their status as a migratory bird, he said. This bird can be seen in the far southeast corner of the state.

"You're going to have to haze them," Ricketts said. "Deterring them includes a combination of using pyrotechnics, noise-making devices and hanging fake, dead vultures -- called effigies -- near roosting sites to exclude those birds."

Russ Quinn can be reached at [email protected]

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