Baaaa........

In the middle of cattle country are two of neighbors who run sheep

as well cattle. The two bands of sheep are just as different from each

other as the owners are. This flock in the photos above and just below

are usually spread out somewhat and seem more relaxed and content.

The other ranch's sheep are always tightly packed and move in

one big wave. The really odd thing about it is that at times the two

different flocks might be in pastures just across the road from each

other and still behave that way.

Both of these ranches have had a tough time with predators this summer.

There are predator problems year long with coyotes but this spring and

summer have been especially bad. Losses of lambs have been high.

The government hunter has been called out several times to help elminate

or reduce the problem.

In addition to the vigilance of the ranchers and the government

hunter, other methods are employed to help detour the coyotes.

One ranch has a pyrennes dog who watches over their sheep. The

other ranch is using llamas who are pretty effective. I think the llamas

are pretty interesting although I wouldn't want one around. When these

two are on watch they each face a different direction so they have a

full range of view around their sheep.