Identifying Predation

Predation is rarely observed; therefore, the accurate assessment of losses to specific predators often requires careful investigative work.

Determine the cause of death by checking for signs on the animal and around the kill site.

The size and location of tooth marks will often indicate the species causing predation.

Extensive bleeding usually is characteristic of predation. Where external bleeding is not apparent, the hide can be removed from the carcass, particularly around the neck, throat, and head, and the area checked for tooth holes, subcutaneous haemorrhage, and tissue damage. Haemorrhage occurs only if skin and tissue damage occurs while the animal is alive. Animals that die from causes other than predation normally do not show external or subcutaneous bleeding, although bloody fluids may be lost from body openings. Animal losses are easiest to evaluate if the examination is conducted when the carcass is still fresh. Animals may not always be killed by a throat attack but may be pulled down from the side or rear. Blood is often on the sides, hind legs, and tail areas. Calves can have their tails chewed off and the nose may have tooth marks or be completely chewed by the predator when the tongue is eaten.

Tracks and droppings alone are not proof of depredation or of the species responsible. They are evidence that a particular predator is in the area and, when combined with other characteristics of depredation, can help determine what species is causing the problem.

Many livestock operations include extensive pastures which feature ravines, scrubland and woodlots. These situations are likely to be attractive to predators.

The identification of the predator involved in killing livestock and animal is fairly difficult to master as there are many variables.

Tracks are an excellent way to determine the presence of an animal. The problem is, however, that rarely does one find a "textbook" track. Tracks are often smudged or only partial. Frequently tracks only help one narrow down potential suspects and so they have not been included in the central key. However, here follows some information that may help you identify tracks.

Perfect tracks are rarely found in the field.

Look carefully at the track and the nature of the substrate holding the track impression.

• What is its width? (with snow measure at the bottom not at the top of the snow).
• What is its length?
• What is its shape? round? oval? oblong?
• Are claw marks showing? How many? (could the ground be too hard to show claws?)
• Are pads showing? How many?
• Are toes showing? How many?

Are there other tracks? If so what is the distance between this track and the other track? This is known as the animal's gait! Knowing the gait can be very helpful in identifying the species.

What is the habitat? Where is the animal going and what is it doing? These will provide helpful clues to narrowing down your list of suspects!!