Domestic Animal Losses to Coyotes and Dogs in Iowa

Abstract

Losses of domestic livestock to coyotes (Canis latrans) and dogs were investigated from claims filed at county courthouses in Iowa [USA] between 1960 and 1974. A total of 5800 claims was examined, representing losses of 18,309 sheep, 826 cattle, 2257 swine and 6839 chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks. For all reported sheep losses, 49% were attributed to dogs and 36% to coyotes. The proportions of cattle, swine and poultry killed by dogs also were greater than those attributed to coyotes. Since 1960, the proportion of the predator loss attributed to coyotes has increased, although there was no change in the total magnitude of predation losses. Predators killed a mean of 1.5 of the lambs born and maximum of 3.5% of the total sheep production on the 14-county area. Sheep, swine and poultry losses were greatest in the summer or early fall and cattle losses were greatest in the spring. The magnitude of depredations appeared to be more a function of livestock availability than of predator density. Traditional management tools that result in the taking of coyotes primarily in the fall and winter (hunting, trapping and bounties) have little effect on coyotes during the season when the greatest livestock losses are occurring.