Predation on Range Sheep with No Predator Control

A Great Basin band of open range herded sheep was monitored intensively for losses between June 8 and September 29, 1976, in an area where organized predator control had not been employed for the preceding 9 years. Verified losses due to all causes totalled 69 (4.4% of the band), of which 59 (86%) were due to predation. Forty-eight of the predator losses were lambs, a 6.3% loss of the lambs in the herd. Eleven adults were killed by predators. Ninety percent of the predator losses were attributed to coyotes (Canis latrans), 2% to bobcats (Lynx rufus), and 8% to predators of undetermined species. Physical condition was determined for 41 of the sheep attacked by predators: 93% were healthy and 7% were in poor condition. Predation intensity varied from approximately one loss every 6 days in June to almost one per day in August and September.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202