by Heather Smith Thomas
For hundreds of years, people who raise sheep and goats have used guardian animals to live with their livestock and deter predators. Dogs, burros, llamas and occasionally large-horned cows or steers have served this purpose. Any large animal that the flock can bond with and feel safe with can work.
It’s difficult to guarantee protection of livestock from large predators such as wolves, bears or cougars, but a guardian animal can discourage coyotes — the most common predator in every geographic region. Whether you choose guardian dogs, llamas or donkeys depends on your situation, livestock, terrain and the predators in the area.