Post by: KFhunter on March 06, 2014, 10:14:25 PM
In case you didn't believe me....
Quote
"When wolves kill or injure livestock, ranchers can document the financial loss," said Reinaldo Cooke, an animal scientist in OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences. “But wolf attacks also create bad memories in the herd and cause a stress response known to result in decreased pregnancy rates, lighter calves and a greater likelihood of getting sick. It’s much like post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD – for cows."
Post by: snowpack on March 06, 2014, 10:39:49 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on March 06, 2014, 11:04:32 PM
Wish I could say the same for the humans in Congress who told the USFWS to make wolves happen again.
Post by: KFhunter on March 07, 2014, 09:02:50 AM
I've heard that on some ranches where cattle dogs are used, the cows have grown up with the dogs since they were calves. Both animals fine with each other. Then after a herd experiences a wolf attack, the cows are bezerko if the rancher brings the dog. The cows become dangerous to themselves, people, horses and dogs. They get wolf flashbacks.
My Brittany doesn't look much like a wolf, last fall running her through cattle country it wasn't too bad for the cows freaking out. This was wedge cattle too from the diamond M so you know they've experienced wolves, and they were on range in wolf country. I was keeping a close eye on how they reacted to the dog.
They definatly kept an eye on the dog but didn't go running off or freaking out, if the dog got too close they'd put their heads down and tail starts going up but I kept the dog away from them for the most part. Now if I were running a malamute or shepard, something that looks more like a wolf that might be a different story. I think the cows know the difference pretty well, if they ran from just any k9 the coyotes would have them worked up all the time.
It also helps that my britt just ignores the cows too, bring out an ankle biter dog and it wouldn't go too well.