A win–win between farmers and an apex predator: investigating the relationship between bald eagles and dairy farms

Abstract

AbstractHuman–wildlife conflicts on farms and ranches are common and well‐documented, particularly with apex predators. Predation of livestock, for example, can result in serious economic burdens for farmers and can become threats to wildlife populations as farmers take action to eliminate or displace populations. Among apex predators, bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have received increased media attention in recent years due to conflicts with farmers across the United States. This raises challenges for both farmers and wildlife managers as eagle abundance continues to increase and natural prey resources decline. Interestingly, a recent study in northwestern Washington State reported high eagle activity on dairy farms in response to declines in salmon carcass availability, an important resource for wintering eagles across western North America. Despite the potential for human–wildlife conflict in these areas, little is known of the relationship between eagles and dairy farms. In this study, we investigated the extent of eagle activity on dairy farms and the relationship between eagles and dairy farmers using semistructured interviews with dairy farmers. We found that (1) eagles were attracted to dairy farms to feed primarily on cow afterbirth and calf carcasses, (2) responding farmers had no issue with the presence of eagles on their farms, and (3) many dairy farmers felt that eagles provided services to their farms. Of these services, the most recognized were scavenging of dairy farm byproducts and removal or deterrence of unwanted pest species. Increased eagle abundance on dairy farms and the subsidy of anthropogenic resources may also influence the ecological role of eagles as top predators in agroecosystems. Ultimately, farmers' decisions to provide anthropogenic resources have apparently mitigated human–eagle conflict while potentially reducing top–down pressures on other wild prey species. Farmers and wildlife managers may each benefit through cooperation in continuing to understand the intricacies of dairy farm–eagle relationships.