COYOTES, SHEEP AND LITHIUM CHLORIDE

Authors

Richard E. Griffiths Jr., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado
Guy E. Connolly, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado
Richard J. Burns, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado
Ray T. Sterner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado

Date of this Version

March 1978

Abstract

The use of LiCl-treated baits and carcasses has been advocated as a means of controlling coyote predation on sheep through a process known as "aversive conditioning or taste aversion." While some investigators have made well publicized claims of damage reduction through the use of LiCl on sheep ranges, other researchers have experienced difficulty establishing prey aversion in captive coyotes. The conflicting results suggest a need for extensive, carefully controlled research in both pen and field situations before valid conclusions can be reached regarding aversive conditioning as a depredations control method.