Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

The use of LiCl-treated baits and carcasses has been advocated as a means of controlling coyote predation on sheep through a process known as "aversive conditioning or taste aversion." While some investigators have made well publicized claims of damage reduction through the use of LiCl on sheep ranges, other researchers have experienced difficulty establishing prey aversion in captive coyotes. The conflicting results suggest a need for extensive, carefully controlled research in both pen and field situations before valid conclusions can be reached regarding aversive conditioning as a depredations control method.