Coyotes, foxes, weasels, and raccoons will take livestock if they are hungry and the opportunity presents itself. The best method to prevent attacks is to make sure that chickens, ducks, geese, and other small livestock have well-maintained coops so that they can take shelter. Gauge wire can be buried under the pen/coop to prevent animals from digging under coop fencing. Be sure to close up small livestock every night in a secure shelter.
Black vultures sometimes kill or severely injure newborn livestock, and they also sometimes attack the birthing female. Provide birthing animals with shelter until their young are able to walk.
Contact USDA APHIS Wildlife Services if you are currently dealing with livestock depredation. The number is (217) 241-6700 or toll free at 1-866-4USDAWS.
The Wildlife Illinois website was authorized by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in partial fulfillment of project W-147-T. The website was developed by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, 2wav, and the IDNR in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services and University of Illinois Extension to provide research-based information about how to coexist with Illinois wildlife.
