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Grizzly Predation and Livestock Losses

In the continental United States, health issues such as respiratory problems, digestive problems, calving complications and diseases were overwhelmingly the most significant causes of cattle death in 2005.
Only 0.07% of all cattle losses were due to predation by grizzly and black bears in 2005.
Coyotes killed almost 35 times more cattle than bears killed that year.
Domestic dogs killed almost 8 times as many cattle and vultures killed more than three times as many cattle as grizzly bears and black bears combined killed in 2005.
Theft was responsible for more than 7 times as many cattle losses as bear predation.
Predation by coyotes was the largest cause of sheep loss in 2005, accounting for 23% of all losses.
Bear predation (by both grizzly bears and black bears) was the cause of only 1.4% of all sheep deaths in 2005.

Causes of Cattle Loss

Nationally

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently reported the causes of cattle loss in the lower 48 states.

Note: In this report, grizzly and black bears are combined into one category.

As evident from these statistics, health issues such as respiratory problems, digestive problems, calving complications and diseases are overwhelmingly the most significant causes of cattle death, followed by weather-related deaths. In fact, only 5% of all cattle losses in the continental U.S. in 2005 were attributable to predators.

Furthermore, only 0.07% of all cattle losses were due to predation by bears. Coyotes killed almost 35 times more cattle, domestic dogs killed almost 8 times as many cattle, and vultures killed more than three times as many cattle as grizzly bears and black bears combined killed in 2005. Interestingly, theft was responsible for more than 7 times as many cattle losses as bear predation.

By State

At the state level, the 2005 NASS report groups bears into an “other predators" category, along with wolves, vultures and other carnivores. Currently, grizzly bears are only found in four states in the continental U.S.: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington. In these states, cattle loss due to predation by “other predators” is negligible, accounting for an average of only 1.5% of losses. The average number of cattle losses specific to grizzly bear predation in these states, then, is less than 1.5%. In comparison, coyotes alone accounted for 2.2% of cattle deaths, and 88.8% of cattle losses were due to non-predator related causes.

Percentage of Cattle Losses due to Predation by "Other Predators" in States with Grizzly Bears

Idaho	0.74%
Montana	1.10%
Wyoming	2.80%
Washington	1.4%

Causes of Sheep Loss

Nationally

The 2005 NASS report on sheep loss details the leading causes of sheep death.

Note: In this report, grizzly and black bears are combined into one category.

Predation by coyotes was the largest cause of sheep loss in 2005 (23%), followed by health problems and weather related issues. Bear predation (by both grizzly bears and black bears) was the cause of only 1.4% of all sheep deaths in 2005.

By State

Unlike cattle, the 2005 NASS report gives the number of sheep losses due to bear predation for each of the lower 48 states. Although these numbers include losses due to both grizzly and black bears, the amounts are still negligible. The average percentage of sheep loss attributable to bear predation in states with grizzly bear populations (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington) is only 3.3%.

Percentage of Sheep Losses Due to Predation by Bears in States with Grizzly Bears

Idaho	5.1%
Montana	3.1%
Wyoming	3.1%
Washington	2.0%

Conclusions

Through the continental U.S., and even in states with large grizzly bear populations, sheep and cattle loss due to grizzly bear predation is very small when compared to other factors. Still, Defenders of Wildlife recognizes that even one loss to an individual rancher can be substantial. For this reason, Defenders continues to assist with preventative and compensation measures. Learn more about Defenders of Wildlife Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund.