PREDATOR DEPREDATIONS ON SHEEP IN PENNSYLVANIA

The eastern coyote (Canis latrans) has become common and widespread in many eastern states. We surveyed 331 sheep producers in Pennsylvania (PA); 22% reported predator losses in 1991, primarily to dogs and coyotes. Losses were heaviest in the southwest part of PA and producers reporting losses tended to have more sheep and more acreage in pasture. To reduce losses, producers used lambing sheds, fences, guard dogs and donkeys, confinement of sheep, trapping, and shooting. It appears that we can expect greater depredations in the future because of increased coyote numbers and a relatively low level of protection of sheep; however, most sheep losses were to old age, disease, lambing problems, and accidents.

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