Large Predators and Livestock

Tune into a new podcast hosted by Peace Country Beef and Forage Association (PCBFA).

Guest speaker Jeff Bectell is the Coordinator of the Carnivores and Communities Program at the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association. In this podcast, Jeff discusses some of the methods they've tested for preventing conflicts with Grizzly bears and other carnivores.

Although the use of on-farm carcass dumps or “bone-yards” is a legal disposal option under the Alberta Animal Health Act, deadstock can be an attractant to bears, cougars, and wolves – particularly during the spring calving season.

Here are some resources to help you best manage deadstock:

• Aquatera Landfill accepts Animal carcasses or portions
  • View Aquatera's rates for disposal
  • Call 780-538-0452 during business hours to make a request for disposal
• Livestock Mortality Management (disposal)
• Bearsmart: Deadstock Composting and Bears
• Waterton Biosphere Reserve: Deadstock Removal Technical Guides

The Government of Alberta has a BearSmart program that is dedicated to reducing conflict between bears and people.

Here are some resources you may find useful:

• BearSmart Safety Guide
• Alberta BearSmart Program Manual

For kids:

• BearSmart Colouring and Activity Book

Bears and other large predators often approach farms and ranches to find food, especially when natural food sources are scarce. There are a number of strategies that can protect your property and livestock:

• Remove and dispose of deadstock as soon as possible by deep burial, incineration, or on farm composting
• Consider electric fencing to enclose disposal areas to prevent scavenging
• Replace any wooden grainaries with metal bins and bear-proof doors
• Remove garbage and clean BBQ grills
• Keep pet food inside a secure building
• Carry bear spray and learn how to use it safely
• Consider livestock guardian dogs

• Securing your grain storage
• Electric fences and bears
• Bears and Agricultural Producers
• Crop Protection & Wildlife Control Fences
• Methods of Investigating Predation of Livestock