At first I figured she must have died of something else and then gotten picked at by birds because you should have some predator prints in that mud! But then I thought, what if she got into the ditch and stayed there awhile, to get away from dogs or wolves? Then after they left her, she was to chilled and stressed to survive. In that case there should be prints in the mud around the ditch where she crossed. If you can't find prints, she died of something else.
predator problem
- Thread starter lawnviewfarm
- Start date
The manure pile (huge!) indicates down a long time. The consistancy of the manure indicates no stress at the time of defication. Cow appears to be thin.
Were there any other cows killed/injured? This damage is easily explained by a dead cow getting pecked by birds - even simple crows will do this much damage. There isn't enough tissue damage showing that would satisfy the appetite of a squirrel.
If there are other cows dead - I'd be looking for a cause other than preditors.
Were there any other cows killed/injured? This damage is easily explained by a dead cow getting pecked by birds - even simple crows will do this much damage. There isn't enough tissue damage showing that would satisfy the appetite of a squirrel.
If there are other cows dead - I'd be looking for a cause other than preditors.
gimpyrancher
Well-known member
Don't predators kill for food, not for sport? Why would a hungry predator leave a perfectly tasty meal? Why would any pack of predators leave a perfectly tasty meal? This is suspect as to cause. :compute:
Kathie in Thorp
Well-known member
We haven't heard back from the OP. But I'm interested/curious on what was figured out.
newcattleman
Active member
I, too, would think that a predator would have eaten part of the animal. If you find that it is a predator or dogs then shoot it/them, bury, and don't talk about it.
