Coyotes, wolves, foxes and other wild canines are getting bolder in New York state and other areas of the Northeast. In fact, almost 75 percent of livestock death losses in the region are due to coyotes on the prowl, according to American Sheep International.

One solution, say Cornell experts, is to raise a Great Pyrenees guard dog with livestock, because as it grows, the dog will protect the livestock from such unwanted canine predators as coyotes.

To provide such tips to livestock producers, hunters, trappers and landowners on how to cope with wild canines, Cornell Cooperative Extension will offer a free video-linked workshop at noon, Jan. 19, from Canton, N.Y., which will be broadcast live at extension offices throughout northern New York.

Nathan M. Roberts, a doctoral candidate in Cornell's Department of Natural Resources, and Andrew J. MacDuff, a wildlife biologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will discuss not only how to keep wild canines away but also the history and ecology of coyotes, wolves and foxes in New York, the current status and legal issues related to wild canines and how human encroachment into wild canine habitat areas has changed the predators' behavior.

The presentation is hosted by the North Country Shepherds, a group of small ruminant producers, and supported by CCE of St. Lawrence County with support from the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program.

"As predator populations increase in New York, there is increasing interest in learning about them and how to live with them," said Roberts, adding that understanding the biology and history of the wildlife that inhabit one's property is important to managing them.

MacDuff said, "Coyotes are now common on the landscape of New York. The public should be aware that there are several legal options available for managing coyotes that have become a nuisance."

"Trying to prevent losses to wild canines costs producers in extra fencing and keeping guardian animals. Those costs can eat away profit rather quickly," said program organizer Betsy Hodge, small livestock educator with CCE of St. Lawrence County. "The workshop is a great opportunity to learn about measures we can take to reduce losses and protect profits."

To find out if the video-linked presentation is available in a particular area, contact the local CCE office. For more information, contact Betsy Hodge at betsyhodge@twcny.rr.com or (315) 379-0607. To register to attend the program at the CCE Learning Farm in Canton, call Anita Morrill at (315) 379-9192, ext. 234.