Distinguishing a newborn lamb which has been killed by coyotes from a stillborn lamb which has been scavenged can be difficult. In densely wooled sheep carcasses it may be necessary to skin the neck and head area in order to see tooth punctures and bruises.īeing opportunistic predators, coyotes often prefer lambs to adult sheep. However haemorrhaging, and subsequently bruising will not occur on a dead animal which has been scavenged. Bites made to a live animal will produce haemorrhaging which eventually shows as bruising under the skin. Bleeding can only occur before, and shortly after death. The key clue to look for in distinguishing between predation and scavenging or carrion feeding is the presence of blood either at the point(s) of attack on the carcass or around the kill site. The first question which needs to be answered is whether the sheep was killed by a predator or whether it died of some other cause and the carcass was subsequently scavenged. Predation or scavengingĪ dead sheep has been found. Heavy emphasis is placed on distinguishing between coyote predation and dog predation, since they collectively account for almost all predator related losses in Ontario flocks. If predation is the cause of death then it is particularly important to identify the species responsible so additional control measures can be implemented to minimize future losses. The purpose of this factsheet is to aid producers and livestock evaluators in distinguishing between losses caused by predators and non-predator causes. Identifying the cause of death is not easy, but it can be especially difficult for inexperienced sheep producers. Best results are realized when the hot wire is baited with molasses smeared on a piece of tin foil.The range and extent of predation on Ontario sheep has increased to the point where it threatens the viability of many operations. Hardware fastenings : Must use fitted doors and secure locking mechanisms on coops or outer bird enclosures.Įlectric fencing : A single strand of electric fencing set at 15-18 inches above the ground is simple and cost effective. To prevent digging : Fencing must be buried at least 2 ft (61 cm) into the ground or 2 ft (61 cm) outward, along the ground surface and firmly anchored into the ground. Keep poultry in a secure enclosure at all times.Įnclosure height : Fences must be at least 6 ft (1.8 m) high to prevent coyotes from jumping over it.įence Material : Metal hardware cloth that is at least 19 gauge, 1/2 in x 1/2 in (1.27 cm x 1.27 cm). Trim or remove any ground-level shrubs or branches that provide hiding cover or den sites for coyotes or prey. Remove attractants : Do not use wild bird feeders, as coyotes are attracted to birds and rodents. Family groups remain together during the summer and into the early fall. They may form groups as population density increases or where food is abundant. They typically den where thick, dense vegetation obstructs view of the entrance and makes human entry difficult.īehavior: Coyotes tend to travel and hunt singly or in pairs. They build their dens in a variety of places-including storm drains, under storage sheds, in holes dug in vacant lots, parks or golf courses, or in any other dark, dry place. Habitat: Coyotes are found in all habitats, from woodlands and fields, coastal beaches, deserts to urban environments. This spacing of punctures observed in the hide or tissue may be an aid in confirming coyote predation. Spacing of the teeth of an average coyote is 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches between the upper canines and 1 to 1 1/4 inches between the lower canines. Coyotes may bite the head, neck, or back, causing massive tissue and bone damage. Upon skinning, the throat area may exhibit considerable bleeding below the skin. The victim usually displays puncture wounds in the throat region. The typical attack behavior of adult coyotes is to grab the bird by the throat behind the jaw. Coyotes will eat poultry and their eggs if they can gain access to them. They can run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour for short distances and travel over fairly large home ranges (from 2 to 20 square miles).Ĭoyotes can jump, climb, or dig underneath fences. Coyotes possess good eyesight and hearing and a highly developed sense of smell. Coyotes are scavengers and eat whatever they can find. They are often mistaken as small dogs or foxes, and are progressively seen more often during the daytime as well as at night in both urban and rural areas. Adult coyotes weigh between 20 and 30 lbs (13 kg) and measure 23 to 26 inches tall and 42-50 inches in length. They are a member of the Canidae family, which means that they are related to dogs, wolves and foxes. The coyote ( Canis latrans) is a common predator of poultry.
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