Mountain Lion Foundation

Animal Husbandry

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Selecting Appropriate Livestock  

Certain breeds of livestock have specific needs or weaknesses that must be considered in relation to habitat, terrain, and grazing conditions.  Before obtaining new livestock, ranchers should evaluate their grazing habitat and select breeds that are appropriate for that habitat and resident carnivore species.  Some ranchers experiencing chronic mountain lion predation have shifted from sheep to cattle production, and in areas with high predation some have changed from cow-calf to steer operations.  

 

Multi-species Stocking  

Raising sheep and cattle together - called "flerds" - has proven to be an effective way to deter predation.yle="mso-spacerun: yes">  When carnivores approach such flerds, the cattle encircle the more vulnerable sheep, which discourages the predator from attacking.  If the risk of getting injured is high (as from being kicked by a full-grown cow or gored by horns), most predators will reconsider preying on livestock. 

 

Shed Lambing  

The practice of lambing, calving, and kidding in sheds protects young from both predation and inclement weather.  Ewes and lambs are typically confined to corrals next to the lambing shed for as long as two weeks after birth.  Shed lambing can also lead to higher lamb survival because ranchers can treat sick lambs and "mother" orphaned ones.  By moving pregnant ewes or goats to barns or other enclosures where they can be monitored, predation can be virtually eliminated and veterinary help be provided for the birthing problems that often arise.  

Fall Lambing  

Adjusting the lambing or calving time of a rancher's animals can be an effective way of limiting, or even eliminating predation.  Livestock losses are typically highest from late spring through September as coyote packs provide food to young pups.  If livestock producers change to an autumn calving or lambing program, the opportunity for coyotes to prey on young livestock can be significantly reduced.

 

Protect Vulnerable Animals 

Lions are attracted by the smell of blood.  Keep injured animals, or livestock nearing and following birth, in fully enclosed structures.  Immediately remove and destroy afterbirth, carcasses, and other animal by-products from areas near livestock enclosures or homes.  It appears that mountain lions are most likely to be tempted by domestic animals in the spring when the deer herds are migrating.

 

Four ways you can help:

Donate Join MLF Volunteer Cougar Clippings