POWELL, Wyo. — Wyoming sheep producers lost fewer sheep last
year even though predation increased slightly. According to a
U.S.D.A survey conducted in January, producers lost an estimated
43,000 sheep and lambs, down from 55,000 in 2011. The Powell
Tribune reported Tuesday that the losses were mainly attributed
to weather, disease and other environmental factors. Predation
rose 6 percent over 2011. Todd Ballard of the U.S.D.A. says the
drought drove wildlife out of the mountains in search of water
and they encountered sheep at watering holes. Coyotes were
responsible for killing the most sheep among wildlife but eagles
have also become a problem as well. Eagles killed more sheep
than bears and wolves combined in each of the last two years.