Flee, not fight
Sheep are a prey animal. When they are faced with danger, their
natural instinct is to flee not fight. Their strategy is to use
avoidance and rapid flight to avoid being eaten.
Some primitive sheep breeds may be able to more effectively evade predators, as their natural instincts are stronger. Domesticated sheep have come to rely on man for protection from predators.
Safety in numbers
After fleeing, sheep will reform their group and look at the predator.
They use their natural herding instinct to band together for safety.
A sheep that is by itself is vulnerable to attack.
Never walk a straight line
Sheep tracks are never straight. The winding of trails allows
sheep to observe their backside first with one eye, then the other.
Sheep can spot dogs or other perceived forms of danger from 1,200
to 1,500 yards away.
Keen senses
Sheep have excellent senses. Their wide angle of vision allows
them to see predators. They can direct their ears to the direction
of sound. They are very sensitive to what different predators
smell like.
Pain
Sheep have an amazing tolerence for pain. They do not show pain,
because if they do, they will be more vulnerable to predators
who look for those who are weak or injured.
<== PREDATORS