Range Sheep 



149 



Calendar of Operations 



LOSS FROM WILD ANIMALS 



The loss from wild animals is always a serious problem 

 in the raising of sheep on the range. The cougar, bob- 

 cat, mountain lion, bear, and coyotes all come in for 

 their share of the sheep-man's profit. Some prominent 

 sheep-men estimate the losses from wild animals at about 

 10 per cent per annum for the entire West. This figure 

 may be too high, but the loss is enormous at the most 

 conservative estimate. No successful method has yet 

 been found to check this loss. It is kept down to the low- 

 est point by constantly guarding the sheep, especially at 

 lambing time, when the herders make a practice of hang- 

 ing out lanterns, and firing off guns and fire crackers. 

 Some attempt is also made to shoot the coyotes. The 

 only place where this problem has been fully solved is in 

 Australia, where in certain parts of the country entire 

 range districts are surrounded by high wire fences. Fenc- 

 ing has been tried by the Forest Service of this country 

 with good success. Not only is the loss from wild animals 



