Horse killed by ?

[rockinmywaypa]

In my opinion, coyotes wouldn't kill a horse. They have been known to work in packs and bring down larger animals, but I don't think it common. On the other hand if the horse was old or sick, who knows.

In my opinion they would never kill a human adult but that was proven wrong a few months ago here in Canada. I live a couple hours away from the poster and this area has an abundance of the critters. I purchased some guardian dogs for my sheep and my losses have gone down to zero in the last year. To the poster here, if you find that you need a real human friendly but coyote hating dog around the place contact me and I'll set you up.

 

[flint_knapper]

Horses can colic easy enough, regardless of age/health. When they do
they go down.... easy prey for any carnivore then.

 

[GPintheMitten]

My bet would be the horse was sick or dead before any animals showed up.

 

[Egon]

The conspiracy theorists say the wolf re-introduction is the largest anti-hunting campaign ever launched

The Yellowstone Hawks, Eagles and Owls may disagree with that statement!

 

[ScottOkla]

The Yellowstone Hawks, Eagles and Owls may disagree with that statement!

The Brown Bears are enjoying them also.

Now the guy in Montana that lost 100 sheep in one night probably doesn't care for them even as much as the huinters do.

 

[jimmyj]

Well, the fella is not home today and from what I can tell the carcass has been hauled away and it is snowing. To top that off, I've lost my danged game camera (OK, so I'm a bit of a pack rat but it's gotta be someplace!) I'll talk to the guy but I can't think the coyotes got the horse, it makes no sense based on local history. Unless as pointed out it was not particularly attended too or it was old or sick. Coyotes do get the odd dear around here though.

Anyhow, I went through the bush and there are lots of coyote and fox tracks and really that is all. (The snow has been melting, tracks are kinda rough). I'll try and set up a watch for a couple of hours and see what I maybe see. There really are not proper wolves around here but you get some coyote wolf crosses that we call brush wolves. There are a fair number of rabbit, squirrel and grouse tracks so the coyotes would have lots to eat I would think. No cats seem to be disappearing either and there are LOTS of them in the local barns.

Seems to me, despite what the local dramatic gossip says, that the horse probably croaked and got 'et after.

I'll keep trying to get some actual facts vs speculation and post more as I find out more. Interesting though.

 

[tugboat-2]

Any chance a careless poacher was involved jimmy? You periodically hear of the odd black bear and a few wolves around these parts but not often. Coyotes attacking horses? I tend to agree with those that suggest "if the horse was weak or sick perhaps?" I know the local shepherds in this area all keep a few donkeys to "care" for the flock and they do a terrific job of keeping the coyotes at bay. (and "any" other predator).

We have some large flocks in the area and you "never" see sheep and lambs without a donkey escort.

Subsequently, . .I would think a "healthy" horse could do what a donkey does? Good luck with your investigation,...too bad the evidence seems to have disappeared. It makes me angry when people allow their animals to get "outta-sight" for extended periods like that and don't seem to "miss" them!

Coyotes attacking humans? The case in Eastern Canada yes, but not often otherwise. A couple years ago in the summer of /07, I was working out in the back field around mid-night with my cab tractor and had full size coyotes bothering me. I threw on all the lights, flashers etc and opened the throttle and tried to scare them off chasing and banging the bucket etc. Didn't help much.

Had a flat front tire shortly after and as I was not armed at the time, (often have "something" long or short with me),..was actually afraid to get out. Yes I opened the door quickly and yelled which caused them to run a few feet and come right back,...so I ended up skidding the front wheels home on the bucket, steering with the brakes.

Went back out on foot, a little better armed ....not a coyote in sight. Perhaps it was Deere-John: the Big-Green-Noisy, "Growling-Monster" with the Many-Bright EYES that had attracted them in the first place? BUT they had me worried at the time!

The best to you,
. . tug

 

[300UGUY]

Here in mid Michigan, cows and horses get shot pretty much every year. Sometimes it takes weeks for a wounded animal to die. The average hunter is a slob, but most won't shoot animals just for thrills. But some will. There is a reason why virtually all property is posted "no hunting" around here. But if it has been days since he checked on the animal, who knows?

 

[jimmyj]

Well I have just come in from a number of hours on watch. It's danged freezing with 40+ mph winds and I was tucked up into a clump of basswood trees. Light snow, wind chill probably about -20 or more.

Honestly, I love the outdoors so it was awesome despite being freezing - dress right and it is fine. The sights and smells of the wilds, just great.

Anyhow, I am thinking that this is going to be a bit of a farce. "Maybe" and maybe not, but maybe somebody had a horse croak and a fancy story has come out of it. I've combed acres and acres of field and forest and there is no evidence of any dramatic take down. There is a bit of a mess of fur, but no real bones or skull etc. The horse that used to be there was a bay but it could be deer. There are all sorts of snowmobile and ATV tracks in the pasturea along with a few horse poops but that is about it otherwise.

I'll keep-a-lookin, the fun is in being out but something is not adding up in this story.

That all said, I have not spoken to the owner so I reserve some judgement. I do not want to step any more on his property without permission so I'll wait and see what happens.

 

[dodge man]

Tugboat, it could be the coyotes were drawn to your tractor. I know in this area you will see coyotes near the edge of fields when they are working the fields or harvesting. The machines will scare all sorts of critters and the coyotes are there to grab them. I know the feeling, have a gun in your hand and there is not a coyote in sight.