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Grizzly Attacks on Livestock Rising, But Coyotes Still Tops

Coyotes have caused more than $550,000 in damages this year

By Associated Press

BILLINGS — A federal official says reports of grizzly bear attacks on livestock are up in 2018, but coyotes remain the top killer of domesticated animals.

The Billings Gazette reports coyotes have caused more than $550,000 in damages this year, killing almost 300 calves, three cattle, four goats, 92 sheep and almost 1,500 lambs.

John Steuber, director of Wildlife Services in Montana, says grizzlies accounted for 138 complaints of livestock depredations or injuries. That’s up from the 98 complaints involving grizzlies in 2017.

There were 92 complaints of attacks by wolves, down from 100 last year.