Predation Management with a Focus on Coyotes This publication is available to view or download online at http://www.ablamb.ca © 2014 Alberta Lamb Producers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any means Alberta Lamb Producers whatsoever, without the prior written con- Agriculture Centre, sent of Alberta Lamb Producers. No part of 97 East Lake Ramp NE this publication can be used or reproduced Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3 without acknowledging that Alberta Lamb Phone: 403-948-8533 Producers is the author of this publication Fax: 403-912-1455 and is the owner of the copyright. For further Email: [email protected] information contact Alberta Lamb Producers at (403) 948-8533. The Parties further agree that any repro- duction, publication or distribution of the Resource Manual by the Parties or any licen- see of the Parties shall contain the following legal disclaimer: This document is provided by Alberta Lamb Producers and may be used for informational and resource purposes only. In developing this document Alberta Lamb Producers has compiled the information in good faith, has used the most current information available and has taken reasonable efforts to ensure that the contents are accurate and reliable. Alberta Lamb Producers does not, however, warrant the quality, timeliness, adequacy, accuracy, suitability or completeness of the contents of this document. Alberta Lamb Producers shall not be liable or responsible for any claim or damage, direct or indirect, Author: arising out of the interpretation, reliance upon Anita O"Brien or other use of this information. This docu- Lansdowne, New Brunswick ment is not intended to be a definitive state- Sheep and Goat Specialist with OMAFRA, 1987-2013 ment of small ruminant business practices. Lamb Prodicer since 1986 The information in this document should not be used as a substitute for obtaining suitable professional advice. Reviewers: Publisher Margaret Cook, ALP Executive Director Alberta Lamb Producers Susan Hosford ARD, Business Development - Sheep/ Lamb industry Photo credits: M. Kaiser, K. Nixon, Anita O'Brien andTHagendorn This publication has been made possible by funding from the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd. and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. © 2014, Alberta Lamb Producers Contents 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 2. Predation Management Planning ...................................................................... 2 Know Your Flock ......................................................................................................... 2 How Susceptible Are Your Sheep to Predation? ......................................................... 2 1. What Predators Are Sharing the Same Land Base with You? ............................... 2 2. What Predators Are Causing You Problems? ........................................................ 3 3. Know Which of Your Sheep Are Most Vulnerable to Predation .............................................................................................................. 3 4. Know the Time(s) of Year when Predation Risk Is Highest for Your Flock ............ 4 Incorporate Preventative Measures that Are Most Appropriate for You ...................... 5 What’s Your Plan when Predation Occurs? ............................................................... 5 Incorporate Selective Removal of Problem Predators ................................................ 6 Know the Programs and Regulations Pertaining to Predators in Your Area ............... 6 Whom to Contact when Predation Happens .............................................................. 7 What Assistance Programs Are Available? ................................................................. 7 References in this Chapter ......................................................................................... 8 3. Primary Predators – Biology and Behaviour ..................................................... 9 Coyotes (Canis latrans) ............................................................................................... 9 Some Important Characteristics .............................................................................. 9 Coyotes as Livestock Predators.............................................................................. 10 Coyote Behaviour Pertinent to Preventative Methods .............................................11 Coyote Behaviour Pertinent to Successful Removal of Problem Coyotes ................11 Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) ........................................................................................ 12 Wolves as Livestock Predators ............................................................................... 12 Black Bears (Ursus americanus) ............................................................................... 13 Black Bears as Livestock Predators ........................................................................ 14 Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos) ...................................................................................... 15 Cougars (Felis concolor) ........................................................................................... 15 Cougars as Livestock Predators ............................................................................. 16 Eagles ...................................................................................................................... 16 Eagles as Livestock Predators ................................................................................ 16 Ravens (Corvus corax) .............................................................................................. 17 References in this Chapter ....................................................................................... 18 4. Predation Prevention - First Line of Defense .................................................. 20 Livestock Guarding Animals ..................................................................................... 20 Livestock Guardian Dogs .......................................................................................... 21 Traits of an Effective Guarding Dog ........................................................................ 22 Cautions and Problems with Using Guarding Dogs ................................................ 22 Behaviour ............................................................................................................... 23 How Many Dogs? ................................................................................................... 24 What Are the Costs Associated with Using Dogs? ................................................ 25 Dogs Are Not Always the Best Choice ................................................................... 26 Improving Effectiveness of Your Dogs ................................................................... 26 Donkeys ................................................................................................................... 26 Why Producers Like Donkeys ................................................................................ 27 Cautions and Problems with Donkeys as Guarding Animals................................... 27 Recommended Guidelines for Improving Success Rate of Donkeys27 ..................................... 28 Costs Associated with Livestock Guarding Donkeys .............................................. 28 Llamas ...................................................................................................................... 29 How and Why Llamas Protect Sheep? ................................................................... 29 Other Important Findings ....................................................................................... 30 Cautions and Problems with Using Guard Llamas .................................................. 30 Costs Associated with Use of Guard Llamas ......................................................... 31 Multi-Species Grazing (Flerds) .................................................................................. 31 Predator Deterring Fence ......................................................................................... 32 Mesh (Woven) Wire Anti-coyote Fence ................................................................. 33 Important Construction Details ............................................................................... 34 Nine-wire Anti-coyote Electric Fence ..................................................................... 35 Comments on Permanent Fences .......................................................................... 37 Portable Electric Netting ......................................................................................... 37 Electric netting offers the following advantages: .................................................. 38 Some of the challenges with electric netting: ...................................................... 38 Tips on using electric nets effectively .................................................................. 38 Notes on Energizers ............................................................................................... 40 Fence Construction ................................................................................................ 40 Shed/Confinement Production ................................................................................ 40 Confinement Lambing .............................................................................................