Predator Control on Ranches

Most cattle losses to predators happen to calves, and many can be prevented with good timing and management. Rules on what you may do vary widely, so learn them before you act.

Key points

Confirm the real cause of loss before acting.
Calving management and visibility prevent many losses.
Guard animals require training and care.
Know state and federal laws before taking any control step.
Keep clear records of each loss.

Start by finding out what is actually happening

Before spending money, confirm the cause of loss. Calves also die from cold, difficult births, scours and pneumonia, and a scavenger may feed on an animal that died from something else. Predators are blamed for many deaths they did not cause. Guessing wrong means the real problem goes unfixed.

If you find a dead calf, protect the carcass from being moved or disturbed, take photographs and write down what you see. Do not handle a carcass beyond what is needed, and call your veterinarian or your state wildlife or livestock agency. Some agencies investigate losses, and records may matter if compensation or assistance programs exist in your state.

Ask a veterinarian who has seen your calves and your country. They can often tell from the carcass and the surroundings whether a calf was alive when it was taken.

Non-lethal tools that help

Good management lowers risk more often than anything else. Predators go for easy targets: newborn calves, weak animals and cattle spread out in rough cover.

Pay attention to the ground too. Heavy brush, creek bottoms and thick cover give predators places to hide near calving areas, so calving in more open pastures can help.

Calve in a smaller pasture close to the house where you can watch
Keep first-calf heifers and cows near calving in the most visible ground
Remove dead animals promptly and in ways your state allows, since carcasses attract predators
Use good fencing and lighting around calving areas
Consider guard animals, which need training, feed and vet care
Keep cattle bunched during the most vulnerable days of a calf's life when practical

Guard animals and other deterrents

Livestock guardian dogs, donkeys and llamas are used on some operations. They are living animals with needs of their own. Dogs need socialization, feeding, veterinary care and containment so they do not bother neighbors or hikers. Donkeys and llamas do not suit every situation and may not work with cattle on large rangeland. Ask local ranchers and your extension office what has worked in your area before investing.

Whatever you choose, give it time and keep notes. A guard animal that is young or untrained will not protect calves, and results can take a full season to judge.

Legal rules come first

Laws about trapping, shooting, poisoning and protected species differ by state and sometimes by county. Some species are protected at the state or federal level, and some methods are illegal everywhere. Never use any method until you have confirmed the rules with your state wildlife agency or game warden. USDA APHIS Wildlife Services and state agencies can advise producers, and in some places assist with damage problems. If you are unsure, call before acting.

Take care with neighbors, since methods that are legal on your land may affect people next door. Talk with neighbors and your wildlife agency early so problems do not turn into disputes.

Protecting pets, wildlife and people

Control methods can harm non-target animals, including pets, working dogs and protected wildlife. Keep family and hired help informed about any steps you take. Store firearms safely and follow all safety rules. Poison is a major danger to dogs, birds and other wildlife and is tightly regulated; do not experiment.

Talk with family and hired hands about the plan before calving starts so everyone knows who to call, what to photograph and what not to touch.

Keeping records

Write down each loss with the date, the pasture, the age and sex of the animal and what you found. Note weather, the stage of calving and any signs of predator activity. Over time the notes show whether losses cluster at certain places or times, which tells you where to adjust. They also support insurance or assistance claims if those apply.

Also look at timing. Losses in the first days of a calf's life usually point to calving management, while losses of older animals may suggest a different issue.

What to ask for help

Start with your veterinarian, who can help confirm cause of death. Then contact your state wildlife agency, your county extension office and a local cattle association. Ask what programs, rules and non-lethal options exist in your area and what documentation they need.

Ask what records the agency wants if you report a loss, and keep copies of everything you send. Your lender and insurance agent may ask for the same records.

When to get help: Call your veterinarian to confirm cause of death, and contact your state wildlife agency or USDA APHIS Wildlife Services about rules and help. Ask your insurance agent about coverage and claim steps.

Sources and further reading

Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.

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