Both Goat just found dead in pen...

[beck77]

so sorry to hear about you'r Goats,

where do you live,: we have Goats that have been found dead where I live we do not have goats but I have some baby cows and chickens I live at Busthead Va

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Thanks for all your condolences. I am pretty upset about this whole thing and I had a hard time sitting through class this morning without getting teary eyed. I actually went home this past weekend and got to see them both (I'm 2 1/2 hours away in college). I'm really happy about that, but I still am really shocked and upset over what happened.

The one goat that was found in the woods was actually drug under the fence. My dad said he found drag marks going under one portion of the fence. I supposed a coyote could fit under the fence if it was really determined, but it wouldn't have been easy. There was no damage to the fence. Other than that, I'm not sure if my dad found any foot prints. I will have to ask him. I doubt it was a bear, but who knows. The one goat was partially eaten and the other was mutilated, but still alive when my dad found them. These were goats that weighed a couple hundred pounds. They were HUGE animals, so whatever killed them had to be pretty strong!

I just hate that they had to go this way. They were both so gentle and always so friendly. I don't even know if we will ever get more and I know I will always be afraid the animal will come back.

My dad is putting both the horses in tonight and the chickens will stay closed up in their respective pens. I don't want to take any chances! I do worry about my rabbits, but for the most part, they are in protective hutches.

These past couple days have NOT been good ones for me!

 

[blueskylen]

i know here in WV that we are starting to get overrun by coyotes, and a big one could easily pull a goat away. I have heard neighbors say that they are starting to see large mountain cats again too - that they were introduced back by the DNR. trouble is that they are lurking to close to the farms/cummunities and not staying in the deep woods. We don't go outside in the dark anymore without a big flashlight, not that it is much protection. NJ is not so far from WV.

Sorry for they sad ending to two family pets lives.

 

[bluebirdfarm]

we too have had a lot of coyotes and i saw a big bobcat two days ago about half mile from my house in the day time.
then yesterday , we found my llama dead and what was left of him anyway .
he was real old , so he may have died naturally and then been eaten by something ?
but more than likely the yotes got him as an easy prey , the scary part is that he was found not too far from the barn , and we have been hearing the yotes really close lately .
never had any trouble before this as we have 4 donkeys.
not sure what to do ,but wait and see?
our sheep have been staying real close to the house at night , but i don't lock them in .
it is scary , i walk all around at night and you don't think about it , but i am going to be a lot more careful now , big big spot light in my hand , he he

 

[gumpsgirl]

I'm so sorry.

I am going for either a coyote or mountain lion. A mountain lion (we've had them here in our area going through town) could have very easily done this. It is important to find out what did this for the sake of your other animals safety. I would have your parents call the game warden in your area to see if there are cougars in your area and if so, if they would be willing to help capture it. Cougars are strong and ruthless. Tell your parents to make a call to the warden now.

 

[lorieMN]

if your dad hasnt gotten rid of the evidence a DNR guy should be able to make a pretty good guess as to what did it..if you can get them to come out and take a look at the goats..

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I just spoke to my dad on the phone. He is pretty sure it was a bear, as it pulled away the cinder blocks from one end of the fence and must have sidled it's way underneath. He found a few piles of bear droppings nearby. He didn't mention any paw prints, but he did call Fish and Wildlife and they confirmed the bear theory. They told my dad that since it has been such a bad summer, the bears are starting to venture out more to find food. They said a lot of people have been having problems and what we experienced was nothing unusual.

My dad locked everybody down tonight, so hopefully nothing else will happen. We don't have a shotgun, but if we continue to see the bear, we will have to figure something else out. There is no need for a bear to be killing our pets and livestock! Supposedly they discontinued the bear hunt here in NJ, and this year there was somewhat of a population boom. Perhaps all the problems they have been causing this year will be enough to bring it back! The last thing we need is to have some small child attacked (There are a few of them on our street, and unfortunately they are not supervised very well)

 

[BeardedChick]

You could put up a good electric fence and charger. I think one of the members here (Panner?) is using that type of system to repel bear. Bee keepers use electric to keep bears out of the honey boxes, so it should be effective if you set it up correctly.

 

[redhen]

i'm so sorry for your loss...:aww..i hope you catch whatever did it..it may come back for the horse..

..again, very sorry, Wendy

 

[gumpsgirl]

Glad your dad was able to figure out what attacked the goats. It helps to know what you're up against. I hope that was the last you all have to deal with that bear. I'm with you on the no need for the bear to be killing your pets and livestock thing. Hopefully he moved on down the road and will be headed for a cave for the winter.