Lambs pecked to death in rampage of the killer ravens
FARMERS across Britain have reported an alarming rise in ravens killing new-born lambs – by pecking out their eyes and tongues.
While raven attacks are not unheard of because the birds are ‘opportunistic feeders’, experts are baffled at their increasing volume.
Some farmers are so concerned that they are demanding the right to shoot the marauders without need for a special government licence.
Phil Stocker, of the National Sheep Association, said: ‘The problem is growing. We are getting reports from all over the country. Ravens are smart and intelligent but very aggressive.’
The birds, a protected species under UK law, live in the wild in the Scottish Highlands and uplands of Britain, the Lake District, Wales, Dartmoor, Exmoor and the South-West.
But the population is shifting and ravens are now common in the Derbyshire Peak District and the East.
A farmer having a problem must apply to Natural England (NE), the Government’s wildlife advisers, for a licence to kill the birds. From 2014 to 2016, five licences were issued, with three given to the same farm.
Martyn Fletcher, 50, a shepherd near Salisbury, Wiltshire, said: ‘Five years ago we saw ravens but attacks on sheep were rare,’ he said. ‘Last
year there were eight pairs of birds and we lost 100 lambs and 20 ewes. ‘This year we’ve had 30 pairs. I’ve got a licence and have shot four ravens but have still lost 70 lambs and 12 ewes.’
A spokesman for the RSPB said: ‘We appreciate this is upsetting for the farmers. Ravens are opportunistic feeders and occasionally kill small lambs. But ravens are still rare in many areas, so it’s important not to demonise them.’