Goats seem to be really talented in most areas of their life. As we know, goats have amazing vision, making it easy for them to spot a predator from afar off. However, does this help them protect themselves?
It is unusual for a goat to survive an attack from a coyote. They cannot protect themselves from a coyote, unless they manage to spot them and escape in time. There are other necessary precautions to take as the owner of a goat in order to keep them safe.
So what can we do as the owner of a goat to keep them safe from predators such as coyotes? Because the sad truth is, that even the homes that we have provided for them, may not be able to keep them safe.
Spotting a predator from a distance
Goats have horizontal pupils, which allow for them to have a wider range of vision. Thankfully for those of us who own goats, this feature allows for them to more quickly recognize when a predator is nearby. Faster than what we would consider humanly possible.
Even at night, predators such as coyotes, cannot avoid the line of sight of a goat. However, although a goat may be able to quickly spot a predator, this does not protect them completely from a possible coyote attack.
For your information: The effort it takes for a goat to spot and get away from a coyote, is about the same effort it would take for you to spot a stranger stalking you from behind and lose him. At first glance, what may seem easy to do but it will become more challenging when we experience it ourselves.
(Below is a video representation of how a goat’s eyes function for their protection against predators.)
(source: Can Goats See in the Dark? & Other Facts About Goat Vision | Farmhouse Guide)
The sad truth of goat versus coyote
If you are of the belief that a goat may be able to protect themselves or that your land is safe enough, then think again. There are several instances on considerably safe land, in which goats have not survived a coyote attack.
Tip: Take any necessary precautions possible to further safeguard your goats in any way possible. As no matter where your goats are at, the coyotes will come after them.
(Warning: the following video may be graphic to some readers. Please watch at your own discretion. This is what may happen to your goats without proper care and protection.)
Other possible predators to watch for
Unfortunately for us, coyotes are not the only predators that come after our goats. These predators don’t have the same hunting patterns and may be more difficult to stop without prior knowledge.
The following are other common predators of the goat;
- foxes – They normally prey on smaller animals such as chickens. However, when kidding season comes around, you might want to keep a clear eye out for these sneaky bandits. As kid goats are smaller, they will be of greater temptation to a fox.
- wolves – A wolf is usually tempted more by larger prey. They won’t be as much of a concern, unless they’re seeking easy prey for the day. In which case, they will easily turn towards a goat for supper.
- bobcats – Unlike a coyote, bobcats are not a daytime concern. They are nocturnal hunters. They are more dangerous to your livestock than a coyote is. And, unfortunately, if they are truly hungry, may still attack during the day out of desperation. Do not take protecting your goats lightly when it comes to these predators.
- mountain lions – They are solitary hunters and typically hunt deer later in the day. However, they are far larger than a bobcat and will not just take out one goat, but the entire herd of goats.
- bears – Like the mountain lion, the bear can also take out an entire herd by itself, eating the goats almost whole.
- eagles – Though surprising, eagles can also be a predator to your goats. Similar to a fox, the eagle also may take interest in the kid goat in your herd, taking it away in one swoop.
- dogs – Attacks from stray dogs are a frequent occurrence. As such, you must also keep a rather watchful eye out for any stray that may sneak it’s way onto your property.
Are the goats safe from coyotes during the day?
The answer is, no. Even during the day, coyotes will still come and attempt to attack your herd of goats. This may occur more frequently according to the number and hunger of the coyotes near you.
In the case that a coyote may strike during the day, you have to take the necessary precautions required to keep your goats safe. Many have kept a gun in their hands to shoot a coyote down, or even put up a larger and sturdier fence. However, these defenses don’t seem to be enough to protect our goats from harm. So what else can we do?
(As you can see in the following video, coyotes will even attack during the day.)
Got a predator? Get a llama
Have you spent endless amounts of money on repairs, upgrades, and new systems of protection for you goats? Have you run low on ammo trying to shoot the coyotes and other predators coming after your livestock?
A more common method for livestock owners, has been adopting a llama into the family. Llamas can be aggressive and protective of their herd. Llamas are capable of fighting off predators, sending them away from the goat herd.
So instead of wasting your money on various unsuccessful attempts at protecting your goat herd, get yourself a guard llama. With a llama, you won’t have to shoot those predators anymore. You might even be able to focus on actually taking better care of your livestock.
(Below is a video of a llama attacking a coyote)
(source: Got Predators? Don’t Shoot. Get a Llama. – Modern Farmer)
(Source: Guard llama – Wikipedia)