Claims under Manitoba’s Wildlife Damage Compensation Program indicate wildlife damage averages about 20,000 acres annually, but will fluctuate greatly from year to year. Fluctuations are due to numerous factors including crop selection, weather conditions and natural food availability for wildlife. While it is impossible to prevent all wildlife damages to crops, producers are encouraged to utilize farming practices that will lower the risk of damage for their operations.

General Farm Pratices to Reduce the Risk of Wildlife Damage

• Plant faster maturing varieties.
• Harvest crops as early as possible to reduce the length of time they remain on the landscape and vulnerable to damage.
• Straight-combine crops whenever possible, rather than swathing.
• Combine at a slightly higher moisture content and then dry the grain.
• Allow hunting on your land during regulated seasons.
• When wild animals are found in or near your crops, use noise-making devices to scare them out of the crop.

General Farm Pratices to Reduce the Risk of Waterfowl Damage

• Use a crop rotation that includes less vulnerable crops such as canola or flax.
• Delay tillage practices after harvest to provide enough grain to attract waterfowl away from vulnerable crops.
• Use scaring devices such as effigies (figures of people, coyotes or eagles), flags, scare cannons or laser lights; move scaring devices frequently to maximize effectiveness.
• When deploying scare cannons, try to locate one scare cannon per 40 acres to provide optimum crop protection from waterfowl damage; use a randomizer attachment so that the blasts are not emitted at a fixed time interval.
• Play recorded bird calls of geese in distress combined with the calls of eagles or falcons (more effective if used in combination with the corresponding effigy).
• Allow waterfowl hunters on your land.

General Farm Pratices to Reduce the Risk of Black Bear Damage

• Use a crop rotation that includes less vulnerable crops such as bearded wheat.
• Plant vulnerable crops (especially corn, oats and fruit) at least 1.6 kilometres away from any forest cover; black bears don’t like traveling long distances in the open.
• Use electric fencing to exclude bears from a crop; if you can’t fence the whole field, protect the areas closest to forest cover and install motion activated alarms where the fencing ends.

Farm Practices to Help Reduce the Risk of Damage by Deer and Elk

• Plant crops as far from wooded cover as possible.
• Use frightening devices (e.g. scare canons) at the crop development stage most vulnerable to damage, such as the silking to tasseling stage for corn and the blossom stage for soybeans.
• Move scare canons frequently to maximize effectiveness and use a randomizer so that the blasts are not emitted at a fixed time interval.
• Dogs can be used to protect a crop as long as they are contained within a designated area by an electronic invisible fence system. Be aware the dogs may be vulnerable to predator attack under these circumstances and consider outfitting them with a spiked collar to provide them with some protection.
• Store harvested crops and hay bales in a contained site which prevents wildlife access.  The most effective options are in an enclosed storage facility or a fenced containment area.

Information collected under Manitoba’s Wildlife Damage Compensation Program indicates there are typically about 1,900 claims for predator attacks on livestock in Manitoba annually. Of these, coyotes are identified as the predator responsible in about 75% of the claims, wolves in about 20%, and black bears, cougars and foxes, in the remaining 5%. The livestock most frequently damaged by predators are beef calves under 300 pounds. While it is impossible to prevent all predator attacks on livestock, producers are encouraged to utilize farming practices and other tools that will lower the risk of predator attacks for their operations.

Farm Practices to Reduce Risk

• Human surveillance: Human presence and activity are a deterrent for predators. If possible, implement the use of a (human) shepherd. Alternatively, monitor livestock frequently; target daily wellness checks, particularly during periods of high risk, to spot problems immediately and deal with them before they become critical. Vary the time of day in which wellness checks are conducted. Use the illusion of human presence to further reduce risk by using night predator deterrent flashing lights that give the illusion of someone patrolling the area with a flashlight. Some producers have reported success in parking a farm vehicle next to a pen and moving it regularly around the area.
• Birthing: Young livestock are more vulnerable to predation. Conduct livestock birthing in a secure building (preferred) or in a pen surrounded by predator-resistant fencing near buildings where there is human activity. Avoid birthing on pasture.
• Penning: Ensure livestock pens are surrounded by predator-resistant fencing. Night-penning of pastured livestock can reduce risk. Locate pens away from protective cover like shrubs, trees or tall grasses. The use of turbo-fladry during periods of high risk can reduce risk; fladry installations must be removed within the timeframe for effective use in order to prevent habitation and ensure effectiveness for future installations.
• Pasturing: The larger an animal is before it is moved to pasture, the lower the predation risk. Target six months of age before moving calves to pasture; less than four months is not recommended.
• Livestock health: Poor livestock nutrition, health or injury will increase the risk of livestock predation. Veterinarians can identify nutrition and health concerns and provide recommendations to rectify issues. Complete veterinary assessments annually and whenever sick or injured livestock are discovered. House sick or injured livestock in a predator-resistant building or pen until well. This includes livestock that have been branded or castrated.
• Grazing practices: A herd at relatively high stocking density reduces the rate of encountering predators and maximizes the probability that the entire herd will detect a predator while reducing an individual’s need for vigilance. It may promote mothers remaining paired with young; and active anti-predator behaviors such as standing ground and defending young. Utilize rotational grazing and other practices that encourage high stocking density. Avoid pasturing livestock in an area with an active predator den or wolf rendezvous area.
• Deadstock disposal: Carcasses that are left vulnerable to predator consumption will attract predators into the area, thereby increasing risk. The Environment Act requires that deadstock is disposed of through burial, burning, composting or delivery to a rendering plant in accordance with the Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation. It is illegal to allow wild predators to access your deadstock. Predator exclusion fencing (or a secure building) must be used to prevent access to deadstock by predators while it is being composted or while awaiting delivery for alternative disposal.
• Livestock forage: Unprotected stored forage will attract ungulates such as deer and elk. When hunting these natural prey, predators may encounter livestock and switch. Deterring ungulates from mixing with livestock reduces interactions with predators. Store feed in areas inaccessible to deer and elk (indoors or within barrier fencing). Winter-feed livestock in an area inaccessible to deer and elk. Livestock guardian dogs can also reduce the presence of deer and elk on the operation.
• Watering locations: Riparian areas and valley bottoms are often where native prey are most vulnerable to predation. Aim to establish livestock watering locations close to buildings with human activity and ensure they don’t have any of the following characteristics: a steep draw, deep muddy soil, or heavy brush growth.
• Secure attractants: The presence of deadstock, after-birth, garbage, food compost, pet food, bird feed and ripened fruit can attract predators. Junk piles can provide protective cover for prey animals that predators like to consume. Remove or otherwise secure these items to reduce risk.

Pro-active Predator Control

Predator exclusion fencing

Predator exclusion fencing aims to prevent predators from going through, under or over fencing to access attractants on the other side, whether those attractants be livestock or a deadstock compost area. Remember that various predators have the ability to dig, leap, climb and fly.

There are two options for highly effective mammalian predator exclusion fencing:

1. Wire-net fencing with an apron at the base and electrified wire system at the top
2. Electric fencing

• Wire-net fences should be constructed using 11-14 gauge galvanized, high-tensile smooth wire mesh panels to a minimum height of 1.37 m (54”), with maximum openings of 10 cm x 10 cm (4” x 4”). Fence panels should be affixed to the outside of the fence posts and tight to the ground.
• A minimum of one strand of electrified wire should be added to the top of the woven wire fence to prevent animals from climbing over. Even better, would be to have two hot wires at the top, with a ground wire between them. These should be spaced at a maximum of 15 cm (6”) apart.
• An 11–14-gauge wire mesh apron (ground cover) with openings less than or equal to 15 cm (6”) should extend from the base of the fence, outwards to at least 40 cm (16”). This should be affixed to the fence and the ground to prevent predators from lifting it up and digging under.
• Gates must fit tightly to the surrounding fence and meet the same minimum specifications as the fence including height, ground apron, and electrified top wire(s). Alternatively, a concrete threshold extending outward the same minimum distance could be used in place of the wire mesh apron.

• Electric fencing should be constructed using 11–14-gauge high tensile steel with a minimum tensile strength of 200,000 psi and a minimum break strength of 1,500 pounds, and to a minimum height of 1.37 m (54”), but preferably to 1.83 m (72”).
• The fence energizer should be rated at 0.7 joules or higher and generate 6,000 volts or more.
• A minimum of seven strands (nine or eleven is recommended) of alternating hot and grounded wire is used, whereby the top and bottom wires are both hot.
• The bottom wire is placed no more than 15 cm (6”) above ground level and the spacing between each of the lower three wires must not exceed 15 cm (6”).
• To further reduce the risk of digging, a wire mesh apron (see above) could be added.
• Gates must fit tightly to the surrounding fence and meet the same minimum specifications. Alternatively, a gate meeting the wire-net fencing gate standards could be used.

Exclusion of Flying Predators

Where flying predators are a concern in addition to mammalian predators, producers may want to consider the installation of bird exclusion netting on the inside of predator exclusion fencing. Netting must also cover the top of the pen.

Livestock guardian animals

• Use of livestock guardian animals can reduce risk by creating a ‘landscape of fear’ through actively engaging with predators. Dogs bred for this purpose, that live with the herd/flock and that are properly bonded to the herd/flock, are the most effective.
• The ideal stocking rate for livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) will depend on several factors, including number of stock; predation pressure and species; maximum acceptable predation rate; terrain; amount of cover; location of the pasture; number of livestock groups in the operation and the distance between them; use of other predation strategies; herd density; effectiveness of individual dogs (age, training); personalities of individual dogs; and dog-to-dog conflicts. One research study (Petridou et al., 2023) recommends using three LGDs per 100 sheep/goats and seven guardian dogs per 100 cattle. Use of less than two guardian dogs is not recommended; multiple dogs will ensure they have assistance in a predator encounter. The use of spike collars can further assist with dog protection and the use of GPS collars can assist with containing dogs in the area where livestock are present.
• Female donkeys are a somewhat effective for livestock protection due to their inherent dislike for wolves and coyotes. However, donkeys don’t have any protective instincts toward livestock and this could leave livestock vulnerable to predation by black bears or cougars. If you choose to use donkeys, use a jenny for this purpose on a modest operation of smaller livestock such as goats or sheep.
• Keep in mind that some of the costs for buying and maintaining guardian animals are tax deductible.

Scaring devices and repellents

• The use of scaring devices and repellents are short-term solutions because predators will quickly become accustomed to them. However, they can be useful as an interim measure until longer-term methods can be put into use. Noise-makers (such as scare cannons, radios, and motion-detecting noise devices) have some limited success when used in combination with visual deterrents (such as lights and scarecrows).
• The use of night predator deterrent flashing lights can help to boost the effectiveness of predator exclusion fencing and livestock protection dogs.
• Use passive scaring devices (such as flashing deterrent lights, scare cannons, motion-activated lights and noisemakers) during periods of high risk and move or change frequently.
• Use active scaring devices (such as cracker/screamer shells and paintballs) when predators are found on-site.
• Fladry consists of a line of cordage from which coloured flags are suspended at regularly spaced intervals. Fladry is a temporary measure that uses the natural fear of wild canines (wolves and coyotes) for novel elements in their environment, in order to keep them out of an area during periods of increased risk. Turbofladry, the use of fladry mounted on an electrified line, increases the effectiveness and extends the length of time which the fladry is effective. To request specifications for (turbo)fladry, contact a provincial biologist at wildlife@gov.mb.ca.

Lethal Predator Control

If you haven’t had issues with livestock predation, don’t remove the predators in your area. Their removal will allow other predators into the area that may have a greater tendency to attack livestock.

Lethal methods of removing predators can include the use of firearms and trapping devices; use of poison is prohibited. Lethal control is not an option for cougar conflict management because this species cannot be legally killed in Manitoba.

Trapping

Producers experiencing livestock attacks by coyotes, wolves, foxes or other furbearing animals are encouraged to work proactively with a licensed trapper. Licensed trappers are able to harvest these species during the open regulated trapping seasons. The most common devices used are leg-hold traps and power snares. If traps are being set, you should let your neighbours know where and when, so they can keep their pets away from those areas. Be aware that restrictions are in place regarding the use of deadstock for bait in order to reduce the spread of disease. For more details on trapping, see the provincial Trapping Guide.

Producers who would like to work proactively with a predator trapper in their area, and aren’t aware of any potential trappers to contact, are encouraged to ask for recommendations by contacting the Manitoba Trappers Association (204-739-2624) or a conservation officer in their local district office. Its best to contact a predator trapper before the trapping season begins so the trapper can become familiar with your area and livestock operations.

Hunting

Wolves, coyotes and black bears can be hunted by licensed hunters. The use of firearms must comply with federal legislation and local municipal bylaws. Be aware that restrictions are in place regarding the use of deadstock for bait in order to reduce the spread of disease. For more details on hunting, see the provincial Hunting Guide.

Targeted Predator Removal Program

To assist Manitoba livestock producers in reducing their risk of losses due to predators, the Government of Manitoba has enlisted the co-operation of the Manitoba Trappers Association (MTA). The MTA coordinates the Targeted Predator Removal Program which provides services for the targeted removal of predators (coyote, wolf or fox) that have attacked livestock. 

To access the Program, a livestock producer must first be eligible for compensation due to losses from wolves, coyotes or foxes under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program delivered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).  Producers eligible for damage compensation can then contact the MTA to request a predator trapper be deployed to remove the predators associated with the damage. There is no cost to the producer for this service.

How to access the program

1. Livestock producers who have experienced livestock damage from wild predators contact the nearest Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation office to register a claim.
2. MASC will determine if the claim meets eligibility criteria for compensation under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. If it does the producer can request the services of a predator trapper under the Targeted Predator Removal Program by calling the MTA (204-739-2624).
3. The producer will provide the MTA with their MASC claim number, contact information, premises identification number and details about the incident.
4. The MTA assigns a predator trapper to remove the predators identified as responsible for the damage.
5. The trapper will phone the producer to make arrangements for service delivery. The trapper will then investigate the situation and utilize humane methods to remove the animals involved.
6. The producer will advise their neighbours within close proximity of the general area where traps are being set; a form will be provided to assist with this requirement.
7. Upon completion of the service the producer must verify and sign an activity form for the predator trapper, as well as notify their neighbours that actions are concluded, and all capture devices have been removed.
8. A program evaluation form will be provided to program participants; feedback is encouraged.

Targeted Predator Removal Program participants must agree to the services being provided, sign a waiver of liability agreement, and ensure their pets and livestock are confined away from the active trapping area during the period when traps are used. 

The hours available for a trapper to action a service request are limited.  To maximize the use of a trapper’s time and skills, the trapper may ask the producer to monitor the traps set in the area and advise the trapper if any animals have been captured before their next scheduled follow-up visit occurs.

On-Demand Service Stream

In areas of the province with historically high levels of wolf damage to livestock, producers are eligible to participate in an on-demand program stream.  Eligible operations must be located within the rural municipalities of Alonsa, Dauphin, Ellice-Archie, Fisher, Grahamdale, Kelsey, La Broquerie, Lac du Bonnet, Mountain, Piney, Riding Mountain West, Springfield, Stuartburn; the municipalities of Emerson-Franklin, Ethelbert, Grandview, Lakeshore, Minitonas-Bowsman, Roblin, Rossburn, Russell-Binscarth, Ste. Rose, Swan Valley West; or the unorganized territory (areas that are not part of a municipality, local government district, or First Nation reserve).

If you live in one of these areas, you can request an on-farm risk assessment.  The assessment will help producers determine what aspects of their operation elevate their risk, and what can be done to decrease those risks.  Recommendations resulting from the assessment will be provided to the producer by provincial agricultural and wildlife staff.  Some of the recommendations will be mandatory for implementation if the producer wishes to have on-demand access to a predator trapper for predator damages to their livestock.  On-demand access enables a livestock producer to request the deployment of a predator trapper under the program without the need to have a recent damage claim that qualifies for MASC’s Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.

How to Access On-Demand Services

To access on-demand program services, contact the MTA and indicate that you would like to have an on-farm risk assessment completed for your operation.

Protection of Property

Under The Wildlife Act, if a producer is experiencing wildlife damage to their property (i.e. livestock), they are able to remove (shoot or trap) that wild animal (other than a moose, caribou, cougar, deer, antelope, elk or game bird) in order to protect their property. A permit or licence is not required for this activity. Any removal of a wild animal must be reported to a conservation officer within 10 days. This provision is applicable on private land or leased agricultural Crown land. The province recommends using the services of a licensed trapper where applicable.

Do Not Use Poison

Be aware that under The Wildlife Act, no person can possess poison or a poison device for the purpose of hunting, trapping, taking or killing a wild animal.

Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

Compensation for livestock injured or killed by bears, coyotes, cougars, foxes and wolves is available from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. Producers are advised to contact the nearest MASC office for details; or visit the MASC website.

Conservation Officer Service

For incidents of predator activity that do not qualify for the MASC Wildlife Damage Compensation Program or for livestock predation incidents that don’t involve a wolf, coyote or fox, a producer should contact a local conservation officer to report the incident. Conservation officers document these reports, and the information will be available to wildlife managers.

Conservation officers can trap and remove black bears that are causing property damage. Conservation officers can also provide advice, information, and in some cases tools that may be able to assist.

Domestic and Feral Dogs

Domestic and feral dogs are not considered wildlife under The Wildlife Act. As a livestock owner, you will not receive compensation for losses caused by domestic or feral dog attacks. 
It is important for producers to recognize what predators are impacting their livestock because wild predators are sometimes blamed for livestock damage that was actually caused by domestic and feral dogs.

Each predator tends to attack prey differently. Unlike other species, domestic and feral dogs will typically bite and slash numerous parts of their prey over much of the body, rather than attack one specific part. While domestic dogs rarely eat any livestock they have killed, feral dogs will sometimes do so. Identifying tracks and droppings may tell producers whether livestock has been attacked by dogs or by other predators.

If it’s clear that dogs have attacked your livestock, consider the following options:

• Ask your neighbours to control their pets.
• Contact your local municipal office to check on any bylaws covering off-leash pets.
• Ask for a municipal animal control officer to assist with the situation.

Livestock Predation Protection Working Group

Established in 2013, the Livestock Predation Protection Working Group is working to reduce the risk of livestock predation in Manitoba. Membership includes representatives from Manitoba Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures (co-chair), Manitoba Beef Producers (co-chair), Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Sheep Association, Manitoba Trappers Association, and Manitoba Goat Association.

The mandate for the working group includes providing recommendations to government and stakeholders regarding options, strategies, and solutions for livestock predation protection. 

Invasive Swine Damage

Manitoba is striving to control and ultimately eradicate all wild boar in the province. Wild boar are not a native species in Manitoba. They were brought over from Europe in the 1980’s as part of an agricultural livestock diversification initiative. Current free-ranging wild boar are escaped farm animals or their descendants. Many of these animals are the result of interbreeding between wild boar and domestic pigs. Because of the mixed genetics between wild boar and domestic pigs, as well as the non-native and damaging impacts of these animals, any swine in Manitoba that are not contained within an enclosure are frequently termed “invasive swine”. Intelligent, hardy and adaptable, invasive swine are able survive in harsh weather conditions, a variety of habitats and the presence of people.

Invasive swine can cause extensive damage to the environment. Their feeding behaviour (particularly rooting) can result in decreased water quality, increased presence of non-native plant species, increased soil erosion, modification of nutrient cycles, damage to native plant species and crops, as well as negative impacts to wildlife populations. There have been reports of people, pets and livestock being chased, harassed and even bitten by invasive swine. Invasive swine can also pose a risk of disease transfer to both livestock and wildlife. If you have seen signs or presence of invasive swine, please make note of the location and report it to a conservation officer in the nearest district office.

Because invasive swine pose such a significant risk of damage to Manitoba’s ecosystems, the province has put regulatory measures in place to reduce this risk. The public should be aware that, without a permit from the Government of Manitoba, it is illegal to farm or possess a live wild boar in Manitoba, or to import wild boar into the province.

Invasive Swine Biology

• Adult males can weigh up to 200 kg and sows up to 170 kg.
• Maximum length of 1.8 meters and maximum height of 1 meter at the shoulder.
• Their typically appearance has a dark brown or black woolly undercoat with outer coat of course, stiff bristles, especially on the back. Also typically have erect ears, straight tail and four continually growing canine teeth or "tusks" (two in each jaw).
• The young are frequently reddish brown with black longitudinal stripes that gradually disappear.
• Maximum life span is approximately 25 years.
• Can produce one to two litters a year, each containing 4 -12 piglets.

Invasive Swine Habits and Habitat

• Prefer dense brush associated with river beds or swampy areas for cover, shelter and farrowing.
• Commonly use conifer and hardwood forests for feeding and travel corridors.
• In remote areas or where human activity is minimal, they may be found in fields or grass areas.
• Due to their inability to sweat, invasive swine are frequently attracted to ponds, streams and dugouts in order to cool down.
• Most active during the evening and early morning.
• Can cover great distances in search of food. Winter home range varies from 0.9-18.5 km². Annual ranges up to 50 km² are not uncommon.
• Omnivorous, but favour vegetative matter such as roots, tubers, plant stems and acorns.
• Acute sense of smell that aids in their search for food.
• When running, can reach speeds up to 40 km/hr.

Invasive Swine Population Management

Since 2001, the province has been declared a Wild Boar Control Area. The current province-wide declaration permits a resident of Manitoba to hunt and kill invasive swine that are running at-large anywhere in Manitoba (excluding Riding Mountain and Wapusk National Parks), at any time of the year. View the province-wide declaration which outlines the applicable restrictions and conditions for hunting invasive swine.

Any invasive swine harvested in Manitoba must be reported to Squeal on Pigs within seven (7) days of taking the animal, and details, including the animal’s sex and location where it was killed, must be provided.

Manitoba recognizes that it is unlikely to eradicate wild pigs through hunting efforts, due to their reproductive efficiency and movement behaviour. Hunting pressure that fails to eliminate all animals in a group (sounder) can disperse the remaining animals, leading to more problems in new areas. Invasive swine that have been hunted learn behaviors to avoid hunting pressure, making them harder to eradicate. Hunters are encouraged to harvest invasive swine only when encountering an individual animal. It is of greater benefit to our native wildlife species and their habitat to report the locations of invasive swine sounders (groups) so that the entire group can be removed in a single trapping event.

Sightings of invasive swine or other signs of their presence can be reported to Manitoba’s Squeal on Pigs initiative by phone at 833-SPOT PIG (833-776-8744) or online at squealonpigsmb.org. Squeal on Pigs staff will investigate the report and, if invasive swine presence is confirmed, corral trapping efforts will be undertaken to remove the animals.

Invasive Swine Encounters

If you encounter invasive swine:

• Keep a safe distance, especially if piglets are present. Invasive swine can be protective of their young.
• Try to quietly exit the area the way you came.

If an invasive swine attacks:

• Try to escape by climbing onto a structure, a tree or boulder at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) from ground level.
• If you cannot reach a secure location to avoid the charge, try to put obstacles between you and the pig to block the charge.
• If contact is made, try to remain standing while fighting back. People who fall, or are knocked to the ground, can sustain more serious injuries.
• Most assaults on people are over in under one minute.

Reporting:

• If you observe invasive swine or evidence of their presence, please report the location and details to Manitoba’s Squeal on Pigs initiative by phone at 833-SPOT PIG (833-776-8744) or online at squealonpigsmb.org.
• Any invasive swine harvested in Manitoba must be reported to Squeal on Pigs within seven (7) days of taking the animal, and details, including the animal’s sex and location where it was killed, must be provided.