UW webinar features LGD discussion with Cat Urbigkit The second installment of the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Sheep Task Force’s Predator Management Webinar Mini Series took place on March 4, with a focus on livestock guardian dogs (LGD). The webinar featured guest speaker Cat Urbigkit, a Sublette County rancher, author and president of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, who shared her extensive experience using LGDs on her own ranch and researching LGD breeds around the world. Predator pressure Urbigkit noted it is important for producers to recognize the warning signs of predators in a herd or flock in order to properly address the problem. Signs may include tight bunching, missing animals, the presence of ravens and magpies, females with tight bags and physical signs such as scat, tracks or fur. Drastic changes in herd and flock behavior may also be an indication of predator pressure. Specifically, Urbigkit said animals – even those that are used to LGDs – will act panicked in their presence, may suddenly tear through otherwise sound fences and may suddenly refuse to enter certain areas or express hesitancy to an area they are accustomed to. When predation is suspected, Urbigkit encouraged producers to locate kill and feeding sites to determine the responsible predator. She explained bears and mountain lions will move and bury their kills, while fox, bobcats and coyotes are only able to carry away small lambs. Coyotes are also known for scattering carcasses and remains. “Some large carnivore kills can be confusing or there will be multiple species feeding on one kill, so it is really important to get help from an expert with Wildlife Services or the Wyoming Game and Fish Department,” she advised. Breed comparison While LGDs have certainly proven effective in reducing livestock depredation, Urbigkit noted it is important to match breeds with the kind of predators an operation is dealing with. She explained most breeds work well to deter large cats and bears and recommends using a mix of breeds, ages and sexes for managing coyotes. Some breeds, such as the Akbash, a big white Turkish dog from Anatolia, better understand aerial threats and are great at harassing avian predators. For domestic dogs and wolves, Urbigkit recommends producers use more canine-aggressive breeds. “Wolves coming into the
herd must be met with an aggressive response. There has to be a negative consequence from the guard dogs for the wolves to move on,” she stated. “If there is not a negative consequence, the wolves will return and the dogs will become habituated to wolf presence, which sets the stage for depredation.” She shared, in her experience, Great Pyrenees have not been aggressive enough to protect against wolves, and while Akbash are very active in wolf defense, hers have often been killed. Therefore, LGDs protecting against wolves should be fitted with a spiked collar to increase their chance of survival, she noted. While Urbigkit noted it is essential for LGDs to come from proven working lineage – not a breeding kennel – she admitted her favorite dogs, and the ones she has found the most success with, are a cross between Akbash and Central Asian Ovcharka. “While each breed has its own behavioral characteristics, there is great variety within a single litter. The thing about LGDs is they are independent thinkers. They are bred to take action as they deem appropriate,” she stated. “So, I think it is important people don’t get too hung up on breed because really what we want is good performance.” Pros and cons Like anything else, LGDs come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Urbigkit noted LGDs are good for keeping pastures clear of things which might otherwise attract predators, such as birthing material; having a calming influence on the flock or herd; reducing depredation and deterring predators. With her operation situated next to an elk feedground, Urbigkit said she also uses her LGDs to keep wildlife out of haystacks and off of feed lines, which decreases potential disease transmission and helps reduce feed loss. She also shared anecdotal evidence of instances where LGDs have been used as a conservation tool to restore endangered species and save human lives. On the other hand, Urbigkit outlined some cons of owning a LGD. First, she noted LGDs may limit other predator control options such as using traps, snares and poison; they bark all night; they must be fed daily and they come with a learning curve. She also mentioned LGDs may harass humans, other dogs and wild animals, especially ungulates. However, she shared, in order to deter this behavior in her Continued on next page
Strong bond – Arguably the most important aspect of utilizing livestock guardian dogs is ensuring they have a strong bond with the livestock they are meant to protect. WYLR photo