A new way to protect sheep from wolves

The Swiss authorities are experimenting with a new way of protecting sheep flocks from wolves: llamas could be used in some cases to replace protection dogs, which are frightening hikers in remote mountain areas. Llamas are being tested as part of a pilot project in 12 alpine areas. Swiss TV visited one of the llama guards at Col des Mosses in the canton of Vaud. (rts.ch/swissinfo.ch)

[@TerryTunes]

A male alpaca kept my chickens safe from coyotes for 12 years. Never lost one when he was on duty and he was deaf but he never missed a thing. I've been losing chickens to coyotes for years before and after Frank but never when Frank was out there.

[@genetgebermichael4144]

)

[@hellomyfriends9740]

Rip frank

[@crystalr4650]

I don't know about wolves, but llamas are great at keeping foxes away from chickens. They're also surprisingly strong and will kick the piss out of an intruder.

[@Blue-rl5dp]

I know someone who raises sheep in Northern Colorado in the US. He says llamas have cut his coyote losses from 30 a summer season to 3. Yes, they need more than one llama per herd for wolves. They're good fighters, able to give very vicious stomps, but wolves are better. Llamas can't protect at all against cougars, but they'll run and alert the shepherd.

[@mwillblade]

Donkeys are used in some parts of the world to protect farm animals .

[@karinusko]

I would bet on donkeys anytime. Sheepherders here in California use them. I don't want to see a couple of threatened jennies fighting for their lives or their buddie's lives.

[@creepynumbersheep6146]

Ive seen wolves kill donkeys 🤔

[@catteo2832]

The problem with donkeys is that they can easily get over-aggressive and attack your livestock, even killing it.

[@randygunn9499]

Very true!.I grew up in northern Minnesota and Homer our ever faithful donkey kong had a perfect protection rating of 15 plus years,he got much older but had gotten another donkey which is not smart to do but worked for us great,the King got to chill or protect whenever or whichever he wanted,lil Max did the rest!.

[@randygunn9499]

@@creepynumbersheep6146 I've seen donkeys kill wolves.

[@salvolondon]

I would be more scared by a lama than by a dog .

[@happypetsstressfreedogwalk9137]

you never met evil livestock guardian dogs they can kill a person so fast

[@RathcoreX]

Happy Pets Stress Free Dog Walking, Luxury Pet Sitting & More! Donkeys are even more dangerous being a lot larger.

[@boredpandatv1214]

Rathcore 18 hey can a Labrador look after sheep herds ?

[@RathcoreX]

Bored PandaTV What does that have to do with anything.

[@boredpandatv1214]

Rathcore 18 im asking cause I'm going to need dogs for my stocks, so

[@miss-jerk175]

Some of y'all have never seen a Llama stomp and coyote to death and it shows

[@berardoferrari]

a wolf can kill 3 coyotes at once. your comparing apples to oranges. this sounds like woke nonsense.

[@struggle-dad6715]

Wolfs weigh twice as much as coyotes and are coordinated pack hunters...coyotes are opportunist. No opportunity no attack

[@struggle-dad6715]

@@berardoferrari idk, id say probly 2 coyotes....numbers count

[@michaelsommer5823]

@@berardoferrari yeah stupid woke brigade and their...pro Llama agenda?

[@tytar1037]

@@michaelsommer5823 you’re really poisoning the well with this discourse

[@dannore8077]

His ears are cupped and move slightly to catch what is going one, Lama: flicker flicker

[@grayleopard2004]

Donkeys work too!

[@bearllamagaming3641]

Not as well as a llama tho. More discerning in what to attack vs not, more majestic, and more dangerous. Llamas are the right animals for the job of protection. They make good body guards too.

[@someoneelse4710]

Yup! I've heard geese are also effective for chasing off predators, although obviously different guard animals will be more suited to different predators.

[@GODMODETIGER]

donkeys work real good they'll even bite their opponents

[@berardoferrari]

did you watch the video ????? this hasnt worked yet... its an experiment.

[@Jinkroll]

@@GODMODETIGER they both bite HARD

[@deadchannel1875]

Llamas are quickly becoming Badass Especially in a Herd of 4-6

[@eiffe]

They protec but they also attac!

[@saleemsuliman3062]

The wolf must be like forget about the sheep i need this juicy lama.

[@ILikeMyPrivacytbt]

Good luck, they can be very mean, the video failed to mention they bite and kick too and they don't mind fighting even if their lives are threatened.

[@Khenfu_Cake]

@@ILikeMyPrivacytbt Not to mention like most predators; wolves don't like weird. Weird to a predator usually means it's something that might be dangerous or too much of a hassle to prey upon, and llamas look very weird to predators.

[@ILikeMyPrivacytbt]

@@Khenfu_Cake That is so true. Here in Washington State in the U.S. we have a lot of llamas for a lot of amateur farmers. They are usually families that keep around a dozen farm animals and they usually live out in small towns near our mountains. I have heard animal experts saying the same thing you are saying that predators don't like things they don't know or recognize.

[@rawyouout]

@@ILikeMyPrivacytbt a full grown grey wolf will massacre a full grown llama

[@ILikeMyPrivacytbt]

@@rawyouout I don't know, usually predators avoid animals that fight back and llamas are VERY aggressive. They might just move along and choose something else. If they were VERY hungry they might try it, if they had their pack they might try it, but in most cases I hear they just leave them alone.

[@edsecce5685]

Lamas has been used as herd protectors for a long time in their native andes

[@SagaSeaCraft]

Donkeys are better and cheaper to purchase, especially Mammoth donkeys. They will give chase and grab a wolf or coyote by the neck or back, thrash them side to side like a fox-terrier, throw them to the ground, then stomp on them if they are still alive. They'll walk away for a bit, then come back and stomp the remains until it's no longer distinguishable. Here in the states, donkeys are the main livestock guardians for most knowledgeable ranchers. Llamas are up to three times as expensive, and require more care, and are less adept at terminating predators. Dogs require feeding and maintenance and are quite expensive when compared to donkeys. Most local farriers do not trim llamas pads (feet), but they are much like trimming goat or sheep hooves/pads. Their hooves are NOT nearly as lethal as a heavy-duty donkey's hoof.

[@geanitsucuneli4791]

I got 3 Llamas they are good. ...team work!

[@markuffindell2675]

This is as old as the hills! There’s nothing new in farming that hasn’t been tried before! And having been a shepherd for most of my life I believe that’s the truth!

[@jimcrawford5039]

they use alpacas here in Australia against wild dog packs.

[@vermicelledecheval5219]

Another australian experiment ? Not having enough enough with rabbits and cane toads ? 🐇🐸

[@NoseyNana]

I wonder who is going to come out the winner in herd protection: llamas or donkeys, sounds like both are doing great jobs..altho a donkey will stamp forward & also kick. The donkeys also play well with goats.

[@sarah4life050399]

Llamas will stand up against nearly any kind of predatory animal except for wolves and bears. They've been known to chase out and, on occasion, kill coyotes that approached "their" flocks, but wolves are typically larger than coyotes and they have the advantage of the pack. Llamas are safer guard animals than donkeys because you don't have to separate them from a lambing ewe, but I'm not sure if donkeys and mules are any more effective against wolves.

[@thebabbler8867]

Donkeys can be trained to work as a team against wolves. They're are videos online showcasing this behavior.

[@wierdwesterner]

Why not have llama teams of three to guard a flick of say, 150 sheep?

[@thejurassicman661]

Well you've got to understand There are no wolves or bears in South America (Well at least the dangerous kinds) Their main predators are Big cats like Pumas and Jaguar. But to my understanding. There are no Big Cats in Switzerland. (Well not anymore) So you got to wonder. How would they react to a say a bear or wolves?

[@sdqsdq6274]

@@thejurassicman661 from what i see , if they are not afraid of humans, seem good enough , but not gonna lie, they look damn clumsy lol

[@ras845]

@@thejurassicman661 there are bears in south America where llamas live tho

[@kathysalkeldbonilla6541]

Llamas don't have hooves, they have toenails. They can be very protective!

[@communistjesus]

"Come Swiss, save unnecessary drama and just hire a DANG0 llama". (trademark 2017)

[@Morgan12345ism]

Some also use donkey’s with animals as protectors.

[@ekingunay]

He said the lama spit when the treath comes. 😁

[@jerrystephen0092]

The lama might cost less, but you can hug a dog.

[@SaraAson]

Sheep: Follow the tall sheep he laughs funny

[@mohamedshaheed1270]

The shepherd lady is very gentle.

[@stevet5379]

Donkeys would be far more effective, and they will work in pairs to get rid of a threat, and they are quite nasty and can dispatch a wolf. Llama's will work in pairs, but only for each other.. not the flock. Donkeys will protect the flock.

[@dominopicamation5836]

Will more than one llama work better?

[@abhinavkumar1184]

Use combination of great Pyrenees+ Caucasian shepherd... Pyrenees can easily roam with the sheep n goats n Caucasian shepherd will give tough outskirts protection

[@elmodesto8635]

In what region in France is it

[@m.marcho5980]

donkeys are the best to protect sheep and cows from wolves.

[@anonoymus7053]

Soooo Cute!

[@chaubui1]

Very cute video anyway, those animals and people are adorable :)

[@JMGEntertainmentify]

Your very cute. And got an adorable smile and name.

[@kluez8725]

1:06 Llama: Yeah keep the camera on me, watch this shit.

[@orkhanalikhanov]

Did it work out?

[@bladerunner4720]

Llamas start spitting when encounters wolf.That wont even save llama feom wolf itself 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MsAgriolouloudo]

OK so, the Lama cups its ears and starts laughing like heheheheh - they're devil Lamas - end of! Poor sheep though :(

[@cutesparrows1867]

Good idea👍😊

[@bris2965]

Bright noisy flags, and bleach around the property line helps. The flags are the visual detterant, but bleach burns when sniffed too close. It helps friends of mine in arizona deter coyotes and in some areas the few mexican grey wolves that are left.

[@robertajones961]

I recently read donkey's will protect and kill wolves even dogs if they feel threatened.

[@sunyataanatta1274]

Yesterday the video was always flashing only the sound was OK. Today everything fine. Thanks

[@AntiCringeAndDislikeToAllGays]

Rip sheeps :(

[@megamushroom]

I guess thats why wammawink is like that

[@benninger123]

Donkeys are the best , there absolutely vicious and will not back down .

[@rodentcafeteria]

I thought wolves lived and traveled in packs? What's one single llamas going to do against a pack of wolves (other than get eaten, as well?).

[@MikeNaples]

Thinking the same knowing that wolves in a pack can take down a bison.

[@b4ds33d]

I guess you both missed the part that the wolf population was almost extinct.

[@wildguy4773]

Only if here is donkey in help Donkeys killing predators

[@klaasdeboer8106]

@@MikeNaples But a bison can kill wolves as well, so when other less dangerous pray is available they will avoid the bison. In the the Netherlands and Germany they mostly eat roe deer and wild hogs. (and kill unprotected livestock of course)

[@nickt609]

1:14 nows that's exactly what llama's will do when Wolfs attack the sheep's

[@AntiCringeAndDislikeToAllGays]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dkstarkey7135]

Nick T a few

[@anondeilvers91]

wolves can kill elk and moose, they can kill a Llama.

[@ruswsanchez]

yes, they spit lol

[@jackleo4435]

anon deilvers These are european wolves.

[@subscriberswithoutanyvid-po9jn]

anon deilvers llamas have killed wolves beforr

[@googlemademedoit806]

European wolves are not as large as North American wolves.

[@MA-ii3gm]

Google made me do it Yeah, America overfeeds everything, cattle, wolves, men, kids, teenage girls

[@darkmatterhafnium1522]

I LOVE LLAMAS

[@joeaviles2419]

The impression of the llama call LMFAO

[@rusty358]

Can donkeys work as well?

[@mistermysteryman107]

My mind is blown by the fact that dogs are more expensive to have around than a freakin LLAMA

[@klaasdeboer8106]

Grass and leaves are cheaper than dogfood.

[@klaasdeboer8106]

Beautiful how everywhere in Europe people are trying things to coexist with wolves rather than shooting them.

[@bobwarren3898]

Raise some Kuvasz pups with the sheep. They grow up thinking they're sheep. Just 200 pound sheep with fangs.

[@SubPablum]

I thought this was going to turn into a John Cleese documentary. Very disappointed.

[@davidsmith663]

Neighbour had a llama. Never stopped the fox's from taking lambs, but it did stop the chap from getting anywhere near the sheep. Useless animal.

[@davidsmith663]

@Zwenk Wiel In the UK????? I don't think so.

[@user-pv8ro6ff9i]

why lama in the sheep group?

[@GeldorfMcleod]

that is the funny thing. you are all anxious about the cute sheep. and I ask you what is going to be on your dinner plate tonight

[@hellomyfriends9740]

Llamas work better with sheep than goats.

[@80bbygrl]

I don't really think a llamas going to be able to stop a pack of wolves...

[@jenjencuevas6287]

llama cute

[@davidrobins4025]

I was looking for some actual action of the lama against the coyotes. Hope this works.

[@geanitsucuneli4791]

I do have 3 Llamas ...they are very protective, no wild animal will come on your property.Lama is the boss!!

[@robroberson401]

My neighbor in Wisconsin here has llamas & they have 3 Anatolian/Pyrenees guardian dogs to protect them from wolves...... Since when do farmers care about tourists ?????

[@vermicelledecheval5219]

Interesting. How do the lamas interact with the guardian dogs ? This sounds like a double belt protection but wolves are very capable predators. I'd be happy to have your returned comment.

[@camillephilippon9594]

Donkeys are a good alternative too. They have a natural hatred for all canines and territorial enough to drive them out of their pasture whenever they approach.

[@billybailey4593]

How do the dogs drive off tourist? Are they attacking tourists? Do the tourists hate dogs?

[@erikm8372]

The more mountainous the terrain, the better! Of course, it goes without saying that llamas & alpacas do well in any environment (as will any camelid, from desert to temperate field to alpine ranges), but just look at the geography of the Andes Mountains. The montane regions of Bolivia, Perú, Ecuador, Colombia, parts of Chile & Argentina, as well. Patagonia. I would imagine the European Alps would be perfect for llamas & alpacas. Maybe even better for alpacas as they resemble sheep so much, are smaller, and have the same bold personality. There are videos of people encountering llamas on the trails to Machu Picchu, grazing on the ancient terraces, 2430 meters in altitude. That’s over 2 km, or a mile, up in the sky. And, by nature, they are fending off pumas & several species of fox up there. And while they’re usually a vegetarian, llamas in South America may even fend off the odd spectacled bear from time to time. In lower foothills of the eastern Andes, it’s likely they fend off jaguars, as well. So I think they’re ideal for the Alps.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Get a Trained Tiger. No one Fucks with a Tiger. A Tiger is the Only Animal that will charge a Male Bull Elephant. It's actually Very Simple Math. ( see equation ) 1 Tiger = No Wolves, No Sheep, No Cows, No Goats, No Llamas, No Flock, No Shepard, No Hikers, No Tourists, No Guard Dogs . . . just A Tiger.

[@skullfucker3381]

Michael Caz lmfao

[@abrahamkim1078]

The second then llama sees a wolf, llama is going to bounce.

[@maxpardon]

add some coocklebury to their coats for their own bite or claw protection thicker better.

[@mattandlyss3817]

God bless that llama, but I don't think it's going to end well

[@geanitsucuneli4791]

Lama will knock down a man if she want to!! when she get up in 2 feet is almost 8fts tall.She will kick and bite as much as need it.

[@glennlee6274]

get a donky,they will kill wolves,coyotes...

[@tombrandt8137]

Donkeys will work and are fearless

[@guy-tn2ud]

So we really don't know if lama's will work or not... GREAT JOB GUYS. It's been over 7 years and still now answer. Next time, make a video after you have results.

[@geanitsucuneli4791]

I have 3 llamas in Arizona USA and trust me nobody move around my property(14 acs.of land).No wild animals playing around.She needs 6 to 7 lbs.of good hay daily .Better than a dog! except Mastiff Tibetan....wich is the best!

[@TERRELLTURNER1999]

IF I RAISED LIVESTOCK; I WOULD HAVE LLAMAS ''AND'' LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS. NOT JUST LLAMAS

[@toffeegamer4672]

TERRELL TURNER as much as i think Llamas could change livestock farming,you would need a few few dogs as well,but saying that a pack of 7-8 wolves will kill a couple of dogs,i would have 3 or more Llamas (cheap to feed)and 3 dogs that would intimidate wolves,lynxs/bobcats,foxes.

[@theaveragejoe5273]

I just sheared 14 llamas. They are assholes

[@toffeegamer4672]

TheAverage Joe funny assholes

[@jaime4022]

Terrell Turner But...But...What about the dog-fearing tourists?

[@DaniesHere]

People should use Alpacas instead. They listen better to humans and are naturally more aggressive towards dogs, wolves and foxes (just like donkeys) they also have a nasty hoof hit that can lead to fatal injuries.

[@tibchy144]

lamas have really strong spit

[@kingshawn738]

It's been 6 years.... Where is the update ?

[@berardoferrari]

most likely a failed experiment...... LOL.

[@bigtreesfall]

Poor llama. Doesn't know what he got himself into.

[@vickiguntergraham4712]

I didn't know Llamas would protect sheep!

[@ralfseidel2898]

They don't. Wolfes kill the lamas

[@ccalidor]

The basic problem is simple, the wolf to the alp belongs, and the lama not!

[@ralphcorsi741]

Llamas are not going to scare away wolves. The worst they can do is spit on them and I don't think that will suffice. If you are serious about protecting your sheep then get a donkey. They will attack the wolves and give them something to think about. However, the good part of trying the Llama is that when you realize they are worthless as a protector, you can always eat them.

[@fayebrown914]

WOW!! Wolves are a protected species in Europe. That's GREAT!! The U.S. needs to do the same. This video shows that there are llamas being used to protect livestock. There are, also, livestock guardians, donkeys, and, I am sure, other animals, that can be used, instead of bullets. I wish that more people, who have livestock, could realize this, instead of allowing the slaughter of poor wolves and coyotes. There is a video, that shows what happened to Yellowstone National Park during the years following the release of wolves in the park. Their presence completely changed the ecosystem for the better, allowing species of animals and plants to flourish that previous did not. The video is on Facebook, posted by a friend, Michael Monez, if anyone wants to look at it. It is amazing..

[@Serenityssillyvids]

Donkeys also work really well but might drive away tourists.

[@jaime4022]

lol

[@imhere626]

Donkeys.... they're really mean and stubborn, chasing and kicking.

[@elperrotemama9756]

Donkey are good protecters

[@1toolaj]

Fact fiend brought me here

[@georgemartin4963]

What the hell could a Llama do against a pack of wolves....be the appetizer?

[@twofacepalmer1212]

Ah yes, - Switzerland... a gateway to the Alps and a gateway to Hell.

[@monstersaint]

I vote for donkeys. But if llama work as well, so much the better.

[@FREETHEBAY]

why would u be scared of that that floofy doggo

[@captainsledge7554]

Werewolves attacked llamas in louisville last night Not a joke

[@SarkBM]

Being french trying to understand under the english speaker

[@JackIsNotInTheBox]

Gotta get dat tourist money.

[@guadalupesalazar1073]

Dogs mark the pasture(pee) at corners, fence line etc. Lamas and donkeys can't do that !

[@lynettedundon1410]

But don't they get hurt?

[@cryss299hb]

Goats work too!They can hit the wolf with they horn.But im not saying only 1 goat

[@JabberCT]

A adult lone wolf and certainly a pack will take out that llama easily. How is it suppose to protect the sheep? By being bait?

[@TheLastHylianTitan]

+JabberCT i think llamas are like donkeys in that they're stubborn and also a lot stronger than they look.

[@michaeltaylor8822]

+Lord Weeble 0

[@cjtronan]

+TheLastHylianTitan against woves also works if you put meat on bear traps around. Stopped my dog getting bitten twice now, ever since, no issues.

[@yen0409]

+TheLastHylianTitan that is true, a llama can grow up to 6 or more feet tall, and weigh about 300-400 pounds, they'd squash the wolf if you ask me

[@waynejohnson1786]

Pretty sure a Llama could kill a wolf, they're known to stomp coyotes to death no problem

[@Ferril21]

Lama army coming at you !

[@sanSDI]

There should be more. Like donkeys, they are very protective, but alone against a pack it can't do much.

[@punothebear]

How effective would ostriches be? Would they defend against wolves?

[@vermicelledecheval5219]

@@punothebear they would have to cope with the cold in the mountains. Beside this ostriches will tend to flee in view of a predator. Given the fact they are confronted to cheetahs, leopards, lions, this is not a stupid behavior.

[@hendrawan4733]

why not horse?

[@hamlettelmah441]

hey that's napoleon's llama tina, what's the spit gonna do to a pack of hungry wolves, i feel bad for tina cuz there's no doubt she's gonna be the big ass dinner the wolves were looking for

[@Squarehead45]

So, the vid told us NOTHING about IF IN FACT a llama COULD defend a flock....WOW, Must be a Gov't Video,,right?

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

Donkeys. That's what they need. Donkeys will drive away wolves and coyotes.