What should you do first?
Make sure it is safe before you act. A predator may still be nearby, and wounded or frightened animals can lash out. If you hear or see something moving, stay close to your house or vehicle, turn on lights and use your phone to call for help if needed. Do not go into the dark alone to chase it.
Once the area is quiet, bring your remaining animals into the most secure pen or barn you have. Count them. Missing animals may be hiding, injured or taken, so note names or tag numbers.
- Check your own safety first
- Secure surviving animals in the strongest enclosure
- Count and identify every animal
- Use a bright light and bring a second person
How do you care for injured animals?
Separate injured animals from the herd or flock, keep them warm and quiet, and call your veterinarian. Wounds from teeth and claws can look small and still be serious. Shock is a danger for any animal that has been attacked, even those that appear unhurt.
Do not give medication from memory or from advice found online. Your veterinarian can tell you what to do until they arrive and whether an animal can be helped. If an animal is suffering badly and no vet is reachable, call the vet's emergency line or the sheriff for guidance. Mercy decisions are best made with professional advice.
How do you work out what attacked?
Different animals leave different signs. Look at the kill site, tracks, the way animals were killed or carried off, and whether animals were eaten on the spot. Photographs help. Domestic dogs, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, owls, hawks, bobcats and larger predators are all possible, and each calls for a different fix.
You do not have to guess alone. Your county extension office, your state wildlife agency and the USDA agencies that handle wildlife damage can help identify the cause and discuss options.
- Photograph tracks, wounds and the kill site
- Check for the point of entry in fences and coops
- Note the time of day and weather
- Ask extension or wildlife staff to confirm your guess
What are you allowed to do about the predator?
Rules about trapping, shooting, poisoning or relocating wildlife are strict and vary widely by state, by species and by season. Some animals are protected by state or federal law. Do not act against wildlife until you have talked to your state wildlife agency or game warden, since a well-meant response can lead to fines.
Never use poison, which can kill pets, children and non-target wildlife. Call the state wildlife agency and ask what is legal for your species and situation.
How do you document losses?
Keep photos, dates, counts and any veterinary records. Some assistance programs or insurance policies may apply to losses, but eligibility and deadlines vary and change. Contact your USDA Farm Service Agency office and your insurance agent promptly and ask what is covered and what proof they need.
If the predator is a dog, tell the sheriff or animal control, since owners may be responsible for damage. Keep dated notes of every call.
How do you prevent the next attack?
Look at the weak spot that was used. Predators exploit gaps, low fences, open doors and unsecured feed. Closing animals into a secure shelter at night, keeping feed locked up, removing carcasses promptly and improving lighting can all reduce risk. Guardian animals and better fencing work for some farms, and your extension office can tell you what suits your species and area.
Accept that no system is perfect. Review what happened, repair what you can and talk to neighbors who may also be losing animals.
- Shut animals in at night
- Store feed and scraps securely
- Check fences and coops for gaps weekly
- Ask extension about guardian animals and fencing options
How do you cope with the emotional side?
Losing animals you raised is hard, and it is normal to feel angry, guilty or sleepless afterward. Do not blame yourself for a loss that many careful farmers also experience. Talk to someone who understands, such as a neighbor, a family member or a fellow producer.
If the stress feels heavy and does not lift, speak with your doctor or call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US, for support at any hour.
- Talk with another farmer who has been through it
- Take a day to rest before making big decisions
- Ask your doctor for help if the stress persists
Key takeaways
- Make sure the area is safe, then secure and count your animals.
- Call your veterinarian for injured animals and avoid giving medicine on your own.
- Check your state wildlife agency before acting against any wildlife.
- Document losses and ask FSA and your insurer about available help.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.