As the economy goes, so goes the budget. The latest budget loss to Ohio’s livestock industry is Ohio’s Livestock Indemnity Fund. The Ohio Livestock Indemnity Fund was managed under the Ohio Department of Agriculture and was utilized by Ohio’s Livestock producers to pay for livestock loss and damage caused by coyotes and black vultures, according to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Those livestock producers that attempted to get paid for livestock damage had always found it to be a tedious and sometimes impossible fund to get paid from due to the language of the ORC.
The Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation worked for several weeks to get the fund reinstated, but these organizations and lobbyists were just unfortunately unable to get it back into the State of Ohio budget.

Now we are in a position, in many areas to hire our own trappers to control coyote populations, but we must still work with USDA Wildlife Services in order to control a predator such as the Black Vulture. As an industry, we need to look at ways that we can assist our producers in controlling predators like the Coyote and the Black Vulture. But for now, sheep producers will no longer be able to get paid for livestock losses from Coyotes and Black Vultures as they have in the past.

At Ohio Sheep Day this year at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station (EARS) in Caldwell, we are providing an excellent program on “Managing Coyotes and Black Vultures in Ohio”. We have three excellent speakers coming to discuss this topic, Jeff Pelc, USDA Wildlife Services, David Schott, SWCD Wildlife/Forest Specialist, and Mike Dyer, Private Trapper. If you would like to learn more about controlling these predators on your farm, please plan to attend Ohio Sheep Day. More details on Ohio Sheep Day 2009 can be found in this newsletter.

After 30 years of our family raising market sheep, this past April we had a first… our ewes and lambs were attacked by dogs. We have had many close calls with coyotes and stray dogs but never an actual attack. A family friend witnessed the attack and contacted my husband. After receiving the call and knowing my husband would arrive at the scene before I would, I began to worry about his comment, “looks like we will be adding a couple of dogs to our compost pile”. I did not know our legal rights to protect our livestock and in this day in age with people filing lawsuits for some of the craziest things I was worried my husband’s actions would get us in trouble in the end. So what rights do we have to protect our livestock?

The following are statements taken from the Ohio Revised Code that will better explain our rights to protect our livestock. To view the Ohio Revised Code Section 955: Dogs, in its entirety go to http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/955.

What are you rights if you are witnessing an attack in progress? Under 955.28 a dog(s) may be killed for certain acts and the owner is liable for damages. Section 955.261 of the Revised Code states, “a dog that is chasing or approaching in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, that attempts to bite or otherwise endanger, or that kills or injures a person or a dog that chases, threatens, harasses, injures, or kills livestock, poultry, other domestic animal, or other animal, that is the property of another person, except a cat or another dog, can be killed at the time of that chasing, threatening, harassment, approaching, attempt, killing, or injury. If, in attempting to kill such a dog, a person wounds it, the person is not liable to prosecution under the penal laws that punish cruelty to animals.”
Who is liable for damages in a dog attack? Under 955.28 (B), “the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog”.

What if the dog is not seen or captured? Under 955.29 Claim of Owner, “any owner of an animal that the owner believes has a fair market value of ten dollars or more and that has been injured or killed by a dog not belonging to the owner or harbored on the owner’s premises, in order to be eligible to receive compensation from the dog and kennel fund, shall notify a member of the board of county commissioners or dog warden within three days after the loss or injury has been discovered. A commissioner who is notified shall immediately notify the dog warden of the loss or injury. The warden shall investigate or have the loss or injury investigated promptly, and the person making the investigation shall provide the owner with duplicate copies of the claim form authorized by section 955.36 of the Revised Code and assist the owner in filling it out.”

What if the dog owner is known? Under 955.30 Action to recover for loss or injury, “if the owner of the dog causing the loss or injury described in section 955.29 of the Revised Code is known, the county prosecutor shall bring an action to recover from the owner of the dog whatever compensation is paid from the dog and kennel fund for the loss or injury if in the prosecutor’s judgment the damage can be collected.”

What if a dog attacks a registered flock? Under 955.32 Registered stock, “If the animal that has been killed or injured as described in section 955.29 of the Revised Code is registered in any accepted association of registry, the owner, or the owner’s employee or tenant, shall submit with the claim form the registration papers showing the animal’s lines of breeding, age, and other matters. If the animal is the offspring of registered stock and is eligible for registration, the registration papers showing the breeding of the offspring shall be submitted.”

How is the payment of claims determined and processed? Under 955.35 Payment of claims, “The board of county commissioners, at the next regular meeting after claims in accordance with section 955.29 of the Revised Code have been submitted, shall examine the same and may hear additional testimony or receive additional affidavits in regard thereto and may allow the amount previously certified by the dog warden , or a part thereof, or any amount in addition thereto, as it may find to be just, but in no event shall the amount allowed exceed the lesser of five hundred dollars per animal or the uninsured amount of the loss or injury. The board shall make the final determination of the fair market value of an animal that is the subject of a claim.”

What if the attack was determined to be made by coyotes? For claims for value of animals injured or killed by coyote see 955.51 to 955.53 of the Revised Code.

So what happened in our dog attack experience? My husband did beat me home that day but the two dogs were gone. My husband called the veterinarian and I called the sheriff’s office who directed me to the animal shelter to page the dog warden. Our family friend who witnessed the attack did take a picture of the dogs with his cell phone and once the necessary calls were made, a little search party found the dogs two blocks down the road and they were captured and brought back to our place to await the dog warden’s arrival.

We had one ewe lamb badly injured and deiced to put her down. Skin from one of our show lambs’ had been torn badly down both sides and required sutures. After about seven days of antibiotics and pain medicines to fight the fever, infection, and inflammation, the lamb has made almost a full recovery minus the scars and weight loss.

Between the dog warden and our insurance company, the investigation and paperwork was completely taken care of and almost six weeks after the attack the owner of the dogs gave us a check for the loss of the ewe lamb and vet. costs and treatment for the four other lambs that were injured.

As a result, we purchased a Great Pyrenees puppy two weeks after the incident and even though she is only six months old she has a done a great job of letting us know when someone or something is near the sheep. Below are other ways to protect your flock taken from the Helping Producers Manage Predation Guide Issued October 2002 by USDA Wildlife Services.

Guard Animals
In increasing numbers, livestock producers are using guard animals in their pastures and on open ranges to prevent predator attacks. Guard animals include dogs, donkeys, llamas, and mules. Dogs are by far the most popular of the protective animals, although llamas, which guard by intimidation, are also gaining favor with producers. The most effective guard dogs are Eurasian breeds, such as the Akbash and Great Pyrenees. A good livestock guarding dog stays with the animals without harming them and aggressively repels predators. A guard dog is not a herding dog but rather a full-time member of the flock that has bonded with the animals in the herd, usually sheep. Guard dogs don’t solve the problem, however; they just prevent isolated attacks. In their efforts to protect livestock, guard dogs are also vulnerable to attack themselves. The number of dogs needed to protect a flock depends on its size, the local terrain, and the livestock species onsite.

Fences
Excluding dogs/coyotes by putting up fencing, especially in large areas, is expensive but can offer some protection. Many dogs/coyotes, however, learn to dig deeper or climb higher to defeat a fence. To be effective, the fence should be about 5.5 feet high to keep the predators from jumping over, and a buried wire apron or barbed wire at ground level can discourage digging. Producers can also install electric fencing to keep predators from climbing over. Livestock managers should carefully consider a variety of factors, such as the type of terrain and size of the pasture, before deciding whether to build a fence. Fencing is most likely to be cost effective when the potential for predation is high and fencing can be incorporated with other means of predator management. For example, guard dogs and fencing used together achieve a higher rate of success than either alone. Effective fencing, however, can impede the movements of other wildlife and should be installed only after a professional wildlife assessment.

Frightening Devices
Loud noises, lights, and repellants can also be helpful in scaring off predators. Cougars, wolves, coyotes, and other animals are easily frightened by strange odors, sights, and sounds. Using these methods in combination can work even better. For example, producers can use propane cannons, sirens, and radios with sound amplifiers to scare away predators lurking around pastures or open rangelands. While these measures can be effective, their benefits are often short lived because predators can adapt to new repellants and devices quite rapidly.

For more on protecting you livestock please see the following resources…

Ohio Revised Code Section 955: Dogs (Coyotes)
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/955

Wildlife Services: Helping Producers Manage Predation
United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/prodguide.pdf

Livestock Series: Management
Livestock Guard Dogs, Llamas and Donkeys No. 1.218
Colorado State University Extension
http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/1218.pdf

The 2009 Appalachian Grazing Conference will be held at the Lakeview Resort in Morgantown, West Virginia on March 6&7. For more information and registration details, log onto http://www.wvca.us/grazing_conference.

Log on and get registered soon as the reduced lodging rate of only $76.00/single occupancy coupled with the conference registration of $75.00 is only available until February 2.

This O.S.U. Extension Coordinated Program is an effort to provide outreach programs in several areas of sheep production. We invite sheep and goat producers from around Ohio to come to one or more of the educational sessions to learn more about different areas of sheep and goat production.

Programs Sponsored by: Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Roger A. High, Executive Director, contact (614) 246-8299 or rhigh@ofbf.org or visit our website at www.ohiosheep.org for more information. Contact Extension Educators for possible meeting fees.

When, Where and What?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 “Mt. Victory Program”
Location: Mt. Victory Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, OH
Time: 6:00 p.m. – PAID RESERVATION IS REQUIRED FOR MEAL
7:00 p.m. – Program begins
Registration for meal: $15.00/person: Paid Registration due by: January 5, 2009
Speaker: Bob Hendershot, USDA/NCRS Grazing Specialist, “Pasture Management”
Contact: Wesley Haun, Logan County Extension Educator at (937) 599-4227

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 “Springfield Program”
Location: Clark County Extension Office, 4400 Gateway Blvd., Suite 104, Springfield, OH
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: David O’Diam, OSU Meat Lab Manager, “Lamb and Goat Carcass Evaluation”
Contact: Jonah Johnson, Clark County Extension Educator at (937) 328-4607 or
Tim Fine, Miami County Extension Program Assistant at (937) 440-3945

Monday, February 9, 2009 “Burton Program”
Location: Geauga County Extension Office – Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton, OH
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Roger A. High, OSU Sheep Extension Specialist, “The Management Continuum”
Contact: Les Ober, Geauga County Program Assistant, (440) 834-4656

February 25, 2009 “Bryan Program”
Location: Williams County Extension Office -
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Bill Shulaw, OSU Preventive Veterinarian, Beef and Sheep, “Internal Parasite Management”
Contact: Flo Chirra, Williams County Extension Educator at (419) 636-5608

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 “Fostoria Program”
Location: Ag Credit Services Corporate Office, 610 West Lytle St., Fostoria, OH
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Steve Loerch, OARDC Ruminant Nutritionist”, “Ruminant Nutritional Programs utilizing Dried Distiller’s Grain’s (DDG’s)”
Contact: Ed Lentz, Seneca County Extension Educator, (419) 447-9722 or Gary Wilson, Hancock County Extension Educator, (419) 422-3851

Monday, March 16, 2009 “Licking/Muskingum Program”
Location: Licking Valley High School, Haynesview Drive, Hanover, OH
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speakers: Roger A. High, OSU Sheep Extension Specialist, “What Market are You Breeding For?”
Katherine Harrison, General Manager, Blystone Farms, “Marketing to the Ethnic Population”
Contact: Howard Siegrist, Licking County Extension Educator, (740) 349-6900 or
Mark Mechling, Muskingum County Extension Educator, (740) 454-0144

Thursday, March 19, 2009 “Barnsville Program”
Location: “New” Farm Bureau Building, 100 Colonel Dr., Barnsville, OH
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Roger A. High, OSU Sheep Extension Specialist, “Sheep Nutrition”
Contact: Steve Schumacher, Belmont Co. Extension Educator, (740) 695-1455 or
Mark Landefeld, Monroe County Extension Educator, (740) 472-0810

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 “Lisbon Program”
Location: Crestview Local School, 44100 Crestview Rd. , Columbiana, OH
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Roger A. High, OSU Sheep Extension Specialist, “Lamb and Goat Quality Assurance”
Contact: Julie Herron, Columbiana County Extension Educator, (330) 424-7291

UNKNOWN DATE AT THIS TIME! 2009 “Bryan Program”
Location: Unknown at time of release – More details later
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Bill Shulaw, OSU Preventive Veterinarian, Beef and Sheep, “Internal Parasite Management”
Contact: Flo Chirra, Williams County Extension Educator at (419) 636-5608

We are setting these programs up as “district” programs to reach as many sheep and goat producers around the state of Ohio as possible. We encourage you to come and to get your sheep and goat production questions answered.

WHAT IS AN EFFIGY?-An effigy as defined in Webster’s dictionary, is a “full or partial representation…….. likeness” of a person or object. For dispersing a vulture roost, an effigy can be a fresh carcass, a taxidermic preparation, or an artificial likeness.

OVERVIEW-These guidelines were developed principally for wooded roosts, but the same principles apply for roosts in towers and other sites. Furthermore, these procedures might also be applicable to nuisance situations caused by daytime vulture activity. Regardless of the situation or roost habitat, proper placement is the single most important aspect in successfully using an effigy to disperse vultures.

Important factors to consider when deciding where to hang an effigy include:

‚ locations with the highest bird activity or use, often indicated by an accumulation of feces and feathers;

‚ visibility of the effigy to birds coming into the roost;

‚ prominent branches or support structures; and

‚ accessibility to the site.

THE EFFIGY-Once a bird has been acquired under a legal permit, it should be determined whether a long term or temporary placement is needed. If long term placement or multiple usage is required, it is advised that the bird be prepared by a taxidermist and then treated with a spray on preservative, such as Scotch Guard for leather. The posture of the prepared bird should resemble that of a dead bird hung by its feet with one or both wings hanging down in a outstretched manner. For short term placement (up to 3 months, depending on weather conditions) and if odor is not a concern, then an intact carcass can be used.

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS-The materials that are needed for hanging effigies in the roost can be found at most outdoor or general merchandise stores. The basic materials include:

- a bow and fishing arrow (fiberglass or other heavy arrow with line attachment point and field point);

- archery fishing set-up with rod, reel, and 20-40# line;

- spool of 1/8″ – 1/4″ effigy attachment line (nylon or other synthetic weather resistant);

- heavy duty fishing type snap swivels;

- a small smooth weight (e. g. sinker) or sand bag that can be used to adjust the line.

PLACING THE EFFIGY ATTACHMENT LINE-In wooded roosts, the attachment line can be readily placed using a compound bow fitted with a commercially available fishing set-up (such as Zebco 808 reel mounded on a small rod attached to the stabilizer hole and a fishing arrow). Alternatively, it is possible to use a standard fishing rod with fishing arrow (fiberglass field point arrow with a small hole near the nock for line attachment), however this requires a second person to hold the rod and ensure that the line does not become tangled. It is recommended that 20-lb monofilament line be used due to its strength and flexibility.

Choose a branch or attachment point that is high and prominent. For best results, the effigy should be highly visible to vultures entering the roost. The space directly below this point should be free of branches or other obstructions that could entangle the effigy during heavy winds. Optimally, the bird should hang no farther than the distance from the attachment point to any other branch or structure to the side (e.g., from an attachment point 5 feet out on a branch the effigy should hang down no more than 5 feet to prevent it becoming tangled in the trunk of the tree).

Shoot the arrow over the attachment branch. Attempt to limit the number of branches the line goes over by putting tension on the line after it passes over the attachment branch. Remove the arrow and secure the attachment line to the fishing line. Pull the effigy attachment line over the branch, remove the fishing line, and attach a heavy duty snap swivel to the effigy attachment line. If this line has gone over multiple branches, it may be necessary to pull back the line from all but the main attachment branch. This can be done by attaching a smooth-edged weight to the end of the line closest to the excess branches, pulling the weight over the branches until it reaches the effigy attachment branch, and then lowering the weight.

For lower attachment points, it may be possible to use a throwing bag slung over the branch or attachment point. For towers or other structures, a professional climber or other authorized maintenance person should install the effigy from a prominent point.

ATTACHING THE EFFIGY-To attach the effigy, take 2 – 3 feet of the same material as the attachment line, fold it in half and tie a small loop at the midpoint. This is the point at which the attachment line and snap swivel are connected. Next, tie the ends of the looped line to the legs of the effigy just above the feet, making sure to wrap the line twice around the leg before tying a secure knot. The knotted loop ensures that in the event one of the leg knots comes loose, the effigy will remain in place.

PUTTING THE EFFIGY TO WORK-Raising the effigy into place may require two people depending on the weight of the bird , the height of the attachment point, and the number of branches the line contacts. It often helps to get the effigy moving by having one person push up on it while a second person pulls on the other end of the line.

Raise the effigy as high as possible while evaluating the factors of visibility, entanglement, and accessibility to perching vultures. It is advisable to back away from the roost and look at it from different angles to determine if the height and prominence of the effigy is satisfactory. Finally, tie the trailing end of the attachment line to a secure location that minimizes potential interference by pedestrian, wildlife, or other traffic. Wrap and secure the excess line so that it will be available at a later time should the effigy need to be lowered for maintenance or replacement. Avoid tying to places (such as along a fence top, horizontal branch, or other movement corridor) where chewing damage by rodents is likely. The effigy should now be visible to incoming birds, hanging upside down with its wings outstretched, and ready to disperse the roost.

Editor’s Note: This article came from an already published article by the USDA APHIS service. Mention of brand names does not constitute endorsement by the USDA. For technical questions regarding effigy use and installation please contact John S. Humphrey at the USDA National Wildlife Research Center’s Florida Field Station – 352-375-2229; email: john.s.humphrey@aphis.usda.gov

In the previous Sheep Team Newsletter I discussed the steps that a producer must take in order to receive compensation if there was a loss due to a black vulture kill. In this issue I will discuss steps a producer can take to apply for a depredation permit and how to properly hang a vulture in effigy as a deterrent. To start off, let’s talk about the depredation permit process.

If you are experiencing problems with black vultures, here are some options:

1. Understand that black vultures are federally protected birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.Under this act, it states the following:“No person shall take, possess, barter, or offer for sale, purchase or barter any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, eggs of such bird…”
2. Harassment may be an option.Harassment of black vultures does not require a permit unless the birds are found to be actively nesting.USDA APHIS has a fact sheet available that outlines some harassment options.For a fact sheet on black vultures, their habits, harassment techniques, and more, log onto http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/statereports/NJ/vulturenj.pdf
3. Producers in Ohio who are experiencing predation losses from black vultures may apply for a Federal Depredation Permit allowing for a very limited take of birds to reinforce harassment efforts. In Ohio, producers may also apply for a permit as a proactive measure to prevent predation to livestock if they have black vultures harassing their livestock. Typically a permit would cost $100, but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife is funding the permit fees in these situations. Please contact USDA, Wildlife Services at (614) 861-6087 to initiate the application process.
4. After a permit has been obtained it is recommended to follow the “Guidelines For Using Effigies to Disperse Nuisance Vulture Roosts”.These guidelines are published in the next section of this newsletter.

(Originally Published in Sheep Team Newsletter June 2007)

The coyote is one of the most successful carnivores in Ohio, as indicated by its widespread occurrence throughout the state.  Some producers are fortunate and have few conflicts with coyotes, whereas others seem to have extreme conflicts each year.  Unfortunately there is no single solution for managing coyote predation of sheep, and a combination of preventive and responsive strategies are sometimes necessary.   Fencing is one option that has been used successfully under certain situations.  Coyotes are devious and it can be difficult excluding them with fencing, but some designs are more successful than others.

Net-Wire Fencing is one fencing design that has been effective at deterring coyotes in certain situations, but it can be expensive. Horizontal spacing of the mesh should be less than 6 inches, and vertical spacing less than 4 inches. A barbed wire at the bottom can discourage digging, as will a buried wire apron (often an expensive option). The fence should be at least 5 feet high to discourage coyotes from jumping over it (coyotes usually jump and climb over fences 5 feet high or taller, they cannot typically clear a fence of that height).  Because of its expense, net-wire fencing is usually used for smaller areas used for temporary holding.

One fringe benefit to using this type of fencing is that if predation occurs, it is easy to find where the coyote is getting underneath the fence, which makes removal (such as with snares) that much easier.

An alternative to net-wire fencing is electric fencing, which is often used for livestock.  This design is usually cheaper than net-wire fencing, but requires more maintenance. The fences are made of high-tensile wire stretched to a tension of 200 to 300 pounds.  The original design of electric fences for controlling predation consisted of multiple, alternately charged and grounded wires, with a charged trip wire installed just above ground level about 8 inches outside the main fence to discourage digging, but most recent designs have every wire charged.  The number of wires, and spacing between them, can vary considerably among sites.  A standard design uses 13 strands, but other designs have used less.  Electric fencing is best used in areas of flat terrain with relatively little vegetation, and high tensile wire requires adequate bracing at corners.

Labor to keep electric fencing functional can be significant. Tension of the wires must be maintained, excessive vegetation under the fence must be removed to prevent grounding, damage from livestock and wildlife must be repaired, and the charger must be checked regularly to ensure that it is operational.

Finally, another option is to electrify an existing fence.  This can be particularly effective if a net-wire fence is modified with electric wire.  In this case a charged trip wire is placed 6 to 8 inches above the ground about 8 to 10 inches outside the fence.  One to three additional wires may be added with variable spacing (in each case, maintaining the 8 to 10 inches away from the fence, terminating with a top wire to discouraging climbing over the fence.

If coyotes are climbing or jumping a fence, charged wires can be added to the top and at various intervals. These wires should be offset outside the fence. Fencing companies offer offset brackets to make installation relatively simple. The number of additional wires depends on the design of the original fence and the predicted habits of the predators.

The latter fence design (combination of net-wire and electric wire is currently being tested at the Ohio State University Sheep Research Center near the Wooster Campus.  The sheep center maintains a flock of approximately 350 ewes for research purposes, with about half lambing in February and the other half in May.  During 2006 the center lost many lambs to coyotes, which complicated research projects involving the lambs.  Consequently, the sheep center built predator-proof fencing for a portion of the facility in an attempt to eliminate lamb loss for 2007.  Because of the expense, the Center has electrified only a subset of available pasture, and rotates ewes with lambs accordingly.  Current research involves monitoring coyote activity to determine the effectiveness of the fence design.  This design will be on display at the 2007 Ohio Sheep Day.

As with all aspects of predator management, producers must consider the economic loss to predation balanced against the cost of the fence, expected life of the fence, and the relative effectiveness of the design when determining which fencing system is most suitable.

(Originally Published in Sheep Team Newsletter April 2004)

The coyote is the largest carnivore in Ohio found throughout the state.  Although not an original native, this predator has shown its adaptability to different landscapes and is now found in every county in the state.  Its arrival has also brought livestock losses.  Coyotes, along with feral domestic dogs, are responsible for more sheep losses than any other predator.

Producers have two basic options to reduce predator kills: non-lethal and lethal control.  Non-lethal control often entails measures to prevent losses before they occur.  These include guard animals such as trained dogs, llamas, and burros.  The effectiveness of each of these guardians has been mixed, and may vary based on training level.   Other alternatives are electric fencing, putting flagging on fencing (called fladry), or electronic noise devices.  Each of these techniques may have short term success in specific areas.

Lethal control includes trapping with legholds and snares and shooting coyotes either before or following losses.  Predator calling, in which a call such as a squealing rabbit or pups, is an effective method for bringing in and shooting coyotes.   In addition to these traditional forms of control, trained professionals can also use M-44’s or ‘coyote getters’.  M-44’s consist of a modified cartridge placed in the ground, with a bait cap.  When the cap is pulled, the animal is shot with a lethal compound of sodium cyanide.  In the near future, livestock protection collars may be available to Ohio producers although they are not now licensed for use.  LPC’s are collars with pouches of 1080 compound that are placed on sheep, and as a coyote attacks the sheep they bite the pouch and ingests the 1080, which is lethal.  The advantage to this technique is it removes only guilty coyotes.  None of these techniques will work all the time, and the most successful strategy is to integrate a variety of these methods as specific situations warrant.

(Originally Published In Sheep Team Newsletter February 2003)

The black vulture is a separate species from the turkey vulture, which is more recognizable because of its prominent red head.  Black vultures appear smaller than turkey vultures and have shorter wings, with white tips underneath their wings while in flight.  Black vultures are at the northern edge of their range here in Ohio, and their range within the state appears to be spreading.  They have been found as far north as Coshocton County.  Black vultures have been reported killing and injuring piglets, lambs, and more rarely, calves and cows giving birth.  Ewes during lambing are particularly vulnerable to harassment or predation by black vultures.  If you suspect vulture predation on your herd, signs to look for include missing eyes, tongue, or anus.  These three body parts are usually the first eaten by black vultures.  Because of a different beak type for turkey vultures, they are usually only able to feed on caracas’ with exposed surfaces, such as road-killed animals found along the highway

If you see black vultures on or near your farm, keep a close eye on where they are roosting, especially at dawn and dusk.  To discourage these birds, knowing their habits and roost sites is very helpful.  Here’s a few things to keep in mind:

* Understanding the biology of the animal/bird causing problems.

* Removing or properly composting any carcasses on the farm.

* Habitat modification- vultures prefer large dead trees for roosting. Removing these  snags where possible means vultures must fly longer distances to reach the area  having problems.

* Exclusion- use of netting, or porcupine wire in roosting areas to discourage use by  vultures.

*  Harassment- use of pyrotechnics in conjunction with other techniques is beneficial  (County SWCD’s may have these devices for use by county residents).

* One technique that has proven to be nearly 99% effective in repelling black vultures is  hanging an “effigy” or dead vulture from a tree near roosting sites.  However, a  landowner must have a permit from USDA’s Wildlife Services to take a life vulture.  A  good, safe, legal substitute is a single Tyvek goose decoy from Cabela’s, (800-237- 4444), a mail order outfitting store.  The price is less than $30.00.

What if these techniques are used and vultures are still a problem?  All vultures are federally protected, so shooting them may be done only with Federal approval.  At this point USDA Wildlife Services can assist the landowner in obtaining a permit to remove the vultures.  These permits are only issued through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Minneapolis.  Because this process can take 2 to 4 weeks to complete, contact Jeff Peco with Wildlife Services at 614-892-2514 as soon as vulture problems occur.