Ravens are increasingly killing new-born lambs, farmers say

Ravens are increasingly attacking lambs (Photo: Thomas Pajot)
Ravens are increasingly attacking lambs (Photo: Thomas Pajot)

Farmers across the UK are reporting an increase in ravens killing new-born lambs, with the problem reportedly getting worse.

The alarming rise in such attacks are not unheard of, as ravens have a tendency to be opportunistic feeders - but experts are still baffled at the increased attacks.

Ravens are classed as a protected species, so there is little farmers can do to fend off such attacks.

Some are so concerned that they are demanding the right to shoot ravens without need for a special government licence.

Farmers say they feel it is necessary to protect livestock and thus their income.

'Smart, but very aggressive'

Phil Stocker, of the National Sheep Association, told the Daily Mail: "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.

Last year, a petition was launched to have the Raven added to the general license – a move that would allow landowners to control (by lethal means) ravens in the same manner as other corvid species.

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.