What predator attacked my livestock?

Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project Update

BY RAY BITTNER, Project Lead

Figuring out how to stop wildlife predation of livestock is dependent on accurately diagnosing which predator attacked your livestock and caused the mortality. While it seems simple to blame the coyote or bear that is spotted running away from the carcass, it may not be that simple, and it may also be a mistake!

If undisturbed, a livestock mortality on pasture in Manitoba will always end up being consumed by wildlife and will be recycled back into the natural environment. As a natural process, the consumption of a carcass by predators is the disease and pathogen cleanup that nature intended. However, in the process of multiple predators visiting the site, it can also get confusing as to which one initially took down the cow, calf, lamb, or ewe.

If you are going to enact a predation reduction program on your farm it is best to know what predator caused the problem, and which predator is merely the clean-up act after the main performance.

With this in mind we want to share with you a resource that you can use to start your evaluation process early before any more evidence disappears with scavenging. We found a very good guide to help determine the initial attacker called the “Ranchers Guide to Predator Attacks on Livestock” published by the Government of Alberta in 2018. This is a 30 page, illustrated guide of what to look for, explanations of how bite marks match different predators, and discuss the various behaviors of the predators to help narrow down the actual perpetrator. This resource is available online by typing in the search: “Ranchers Guide to Predator Attacks Alberta.” If you would prefer a printed copy contact the Manitoba Beef Producers’ office to request one. In the future watch for information about the Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project and resources related to mitigating the risk of predation on MBP's website.

It is important to note that if you have predator losses, you can access the expertise of Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) staff through the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Livestock Predation to evaluate the carcass for evidence of which predator initially attacked the livestock. The program sends out trained investigators to determine the cause of loss, and will compensate for eligible livestock killed or injured from predatory attacks by bears, cougars, wolves, foxes or coyotes.

Producers who see the mortality first have the best opportunity to see the wounds so learning predators’ trademark techniques can be the best way to work on the predator problem. But once you have confirmed your suspicions what do you do next? Producers are well advised to contact their local conservation officer to discuss the issues and how to approach the situation. In Manitoba producers have a legislated right to remove certain wildlife in defense of property. Manitoba conservation officers will issue removal permits for most predators once predation losses have be confirmed.

Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project Survey Update

MBP is very pleased that more than 550 producers returned the survey asking them to talk about their experiences with interactions between livestock and wildlife! We are tabulating the survey information and trying to characterize the predation situation and hope to work with respondents with significant losses in the coming months.

We would also like to congratulate Dave and Julia Jones of Virden who won the grand prize of a Pit Boss Stainless Steel BBQ grill. Thank you to all the cattle and sheep producers who filled out the survey.

If you have ideas around risk mitigation practices that could potentially help reduce losses or want to participate in the pilot project, you can contact me at 204-768-0010 or via rbittner@mbbeef.ca