Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Bears usually use their massive paws to strike down a sheep. First they
eat the udder of a lactating ewe, and then they eat the organs. They may stop
at this point and move on to the next sheep, or they may feed on the neck
and shoulders as well. Occasionally, they'll consume the entire sheep in one
feeding.
Cats generally attack by biting the top of the head or neck. They have a
habit of burying a partially eaten carcass under grass and brush to feed on
again later. They fi rst feed on the organs and then the fl ank.
Eagles and other birds of prey occasionally kill lambs. They attack by drop-
ping out of the air at high speed and closing their talons into the head. Eagles
will strip a carcass and leave little except the skin and the backbone.
Laws
Many wild predators are protected or controlled by federal or state laws and
regulations. If you have, or suspect you have, a problem with wild predators,
call the Wildlife Services offi ce of the USDA or your state's wildlife offi ce to
learn about specifi c remedies and laws in your area.
Your county Extension agent should be able to tell you the county's dog
laws or, better yet, give you a copy of the county or state laws. You may fi nd
that they are strict and well spelled out but lack enforcement.
STATE LAWS AND DOG CONTROL
Sheep owners should know the law and work for better dog-control
legislation if necessary. Some states permit the elimination of any
trespassing dog that is molesting livestock. Others require that the
owner have the dog destroyed or be charged with a misdemeanor.
Most states allow the livestock owner to recoup payment from the
dog's owner (if known) for both damage and deaths to livestock. If
a dog is chasing or killing sheep, promptly contact the local sheriff
or animal-control offi cer. He or she can assist you in determin-
ing the dog's owner and can impound the dog and press charges
against the owner on your behalf.
