There have been concerns of late as to increased numbers of wolves and other predators in ranching areas of Alberta.
Whether wolf numbers are increasing or not, here are some ways to protect your livestock through prevention. Studies have shown that shooting wolves indiscriminately can cause more problems for ranchers and in the long run can be more expensive too.
• Remove carcasses immediately. Failure to do so has been shown to increase chances of future depredations by 55 times.
• Patrol your ranchland often. A human presence is one of the most effective and least expensive options that will deter predators. Know where your stock is and how they are doing. Maintain and monitor health.
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• Guard dogs and guardian animals such as llamas and donkeys can be effective at keeping predators away.
• Don’t separate young from old. Mature animals can help defend and teach young self-defence.
• Consider tougher stock. More aggressive breeds will defend young and themselves better.
• Erect barriers using fencing. Portable fencing is available if your range is too large.
• Use non-lethal ammunition and bangers/screamers to make the area uncomfortable for wary predators.
These are some tools that can work for you. Predators are adaptable and intelligent, so often several methods will need to be used and changed as tolerance is learned.
Sadie ParrGolden, B.C.
