The Marin County Predator Management Program: Will It Save the Sheep Industry?

Abstract

In 2001, Marin County, California, replaced its Wildlife Services (WS) predator damage management effort with a county-run program that cost-shares non-lethal methods of predation reduction with ranchers and also compensates them for sheep and lamb losses. This paper attempts to compare the former WS program with the current program, using such variables as livestock lost to predators, coyotes and non-target animals killed, and program costs. Inconsistent data collection and lack of information make a clear comparison of the two programs difficult; however, some sheep producers continue to suffer predation loss rates that threaten the sustainability of their enterprises.

The Marin County Livestock Protection Program: 15 Years in Review

“…In FY2001-2002, the Livestock Protection Program began with 13 sheep producers participating, and it increased to a total of 17 producers in the next three fiscal years (Larson 2006), reaching a peak of 22 producers in FY2008-2009. Fox (2008) stated there were a total of 18 sheep producers participating in the LPP as of November 1, 2006.…”

“…Two producers specifically chose not to be involved in the LPP because they did not support the premise of the LPP. While many participating producers didn't support the LPP (Larson 2006), they perceived it was essentially their only option to continue sheep production in Marin County. Participating producers gave more emphasis to non-lethal tools, trying many of the different program criteria to remain in business (Larson 2006).…”

“…Predation, particularly by coyotes (Canis latrans), has been an increasing problem for sheep producers in California's north coast region (Larson and Salmon 1988, Timm and Connolly 2001, Larson 2006. Even when employing all legal and available methods, including both non-lethal and lethal strategies, loss of sheep and lambs to coyotes was one of the main reasons for producers going out of the sheep business (Larson and Salmon 1988).…”

“…Through time, coyotes expanded their range and became more numerous in Sonoma County while moving southward into Marin County (Figure 2). Sheep and lamb losses began to occur by the mid-1980s, and the problem continued to spread and increase (Larson andSalmon 1988, Larson 2006).…”

“…Electric fencing and use of herders was found to be effective, while use of night pastures was not found effective by some who tried it (Larson and Salmon 1988). For producers who chose to request assistance from the USDA WS specialist, certain tools and materials available only to Wildlife Services could also be used on their property: M-44 sodium cyanide ejectors, and the Livestock Protection Collar (following its registration in California early 1996) (Timm et al 1997, Larson 2006. The USDA WS specialist preferred the leghold trap because non-target species were at low risk of serious injury or death, allowing most captured non-targets to be released (pers.…”