Interesting article… from May 9th
More than one “unkindness” of ravens has attacked farm animals across Britain, partially eating them alive.
A growing number of farmers across Britain are discovering livestock that have been attacked and eaten alive by groups of ravens.
The large birds, which are protected across the nation, have left many of the animals still alive and in agony after having eaten their eyes, tongues and soft underbellies.
Witnesses told the Western Mail that the birds flock together to attack the animals, either killing them or leaving them with agonizing injuries.
And farmers fear the birds are becoming bolder, attacking adult livestock as well as the young.
“The attacks are so horrific that they’re causing mental suffering to people who find the animals,” Johnny Hall, of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, told the Observer.
Other farming union leaders say the sudden rise in attacks is due to European regulations, which mandate that dead livestock be disposed of in licensed animal disposal facilities instead of being left out for scavengers to feed on.
Ravens traditionally eat such carcasses, but they are also known to prey on small mammals, including dormice, voles and rabbits.
S.M. Muse 