Based on 2020 market values, predators cause approximately $4 million in losses annually to Kansas cattle producers. Likewise, they financially burden the state’s small ruminant operations to the tune of about $750,000 per year.
Controlling Predators
To mitigate the economic impact and other effects of predation, Kansas State University wildlife specialist Drew Ricketts said producers have various non-lethal control methods available to keep livestock safe.
“The number of coyotes around or removed doesn’t tend to be directly associated with how many losses a producer has,” he said. “So, if you're not having problems with predators, then hunting or trapping shouldn't be a chore for you, and trying to lower coyote populations to prevent future predation isn't an efficient thing to do.”
Dead livestock commonly attracts predators. Thus, Ricketts recommends proper disposal of carcasses away from calving, lambing or kidding areas to lower the risk of a predator attack, noting that young livestock become especially vulnerable.
“All wild predators in Kansas are mainly scavenging when feeding on large food items like livestock,” he said. “If we have dead livestock near those areas, then we are exposing ourselves to more predation by attracting predators to a food source, so composting and hauling off dead animals are crucial and often overlooked.”
Coyotes are the main predators of livestock in Kansas. Yet, Ricketts said domestic dogs account for a sizeable portion of predation incidents as well. To keep both kinds at bay, producers can strategically fence locations to keep dogs and coyotes away from livestock.
“I suggest woven wire fences with 4-inch by 4-inch squares,” Ricketts said. “If you've got 12-inch-wide openings six inches tall, coyotes can squeeze right through those fences. Also, there are some excellent designs for electrified fencing.”
He added: “However, coyotes and other predators can climb over a fence, so if you're trying to achieve 100% exclusion, we want to have a hot wire on top or have a tall enough fence.”
According to Ricketts, predators may also try to expose a fence’s weakness by digging under it, which actually presents an opportunity to catch them.