A pack of dogs didn’t kill it, maybe gnawed on it after the fact. There’s some strange people out there. Had a honey hole fishing spot years ago that would get loaded up with sandbass in March/April. There was two ways to access it, neither could be done by a vehicle and it was about a 1.5 mile walk either way you went. On occasion we’d go down and camp next to the creek since my buddy lived just down the road from the private land access point and had permission to walk across the old mans property. He had a few goats and cows in the bottom pasture. My buddy decided to camp one evening and didn’t start the walk until a little after dark. He got within 100 yds of the creek and could see a fire going but didn’t think much of it. As he got closer he could hear people chanting something. He stayed in the treeline about 50 yds away and watched them for a minute or two. They had wrangled up a goat and were performing some kinda ritual. He wouldn’t go back there after that, didn’t matter how good the fishing was.

I have seen way too many animals killed by coyotes, bobcats and dogs. None of them killed that ewe. There are no bite marks on any of the body that I can see from the picture. The head and neck are taken next to the body which would be the hardest place to remove. A human, using the term loosely is the only species that would do it like that.

stillhntr didn't the GW confirm it was [censored] sapiens related? I won't use the word human.

Yeah, there may be a pack of wild dogs in the area, but I think I would still keep a watch for the 2 legged dogs.

Dude, somebody is poaching your land.

Had wild dogs constantly roaming were lived...
Never seen any animal with just head missing & No mark's on rest of body...
GW & several others on this thread have given most logical answer...
Animals Do Not take just head & leave rest of body...
Mtn lion, their have been some kind of mark on hind quarters...
U stated no mark's on other part of body...
Pack of wild dogs, their would have been body parts eaten...
tis your thread, your livestock, just going off what read.
then i did get D- in grammer, but i would put my $$$ on what GW suggested, human...
Eather way, Best wish's in finding culprit

Sorry for late reply but have been up nights with thermals as have my neighbor, cameras are also up at any possible crossing onto property.

I should clarify on the GW opinions. First on had about 5 years or so of duty that said 2 legged varmint, the second has probably 30+ years in this county and is of the opinion it is the dogs . Neighbor thinks its a young lion. For myself I lean toward foul play but time will tell on that one.

Lion or poachers are the only culprits! I lean towards poachers!

Human

What is interesting is the lack of information on dogs and lions (young or old) taking the heads and leaving the bodies.

Dogs usually cause multiple wounds around the body, particularly on the hind end, which is not present as you noted.

Two legged predator still seems like a very viable choice.

IMO, you are in the right frame of mind. I'll be curious to find out what it is when you catch it. I'm leaning towards foul play as well...

What killed it is obvious, and if you still believe it walked on four legs and not two you are in denial!
The two legged kind is easier to catch, but it is also the most dangerous because it has a warped brain.
I would be on the lookout and tell the law enforcement in your area to keep and eye out also, unless they want to have to respond to a shooting.

Im not in Denial, everyone else around here is though.... the ultimate hunt

I have a brand-new plot watcher I never opened I'll sell you for $25 if you want it.

easy to spot, their in black helicopters