Varmint of Burke's Garden
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The Varmint of Burke's Garden was the name given to a coyote that terrorized the community of Burke's Garden, Virginia, in 1952. The animal was believed to have killed at least 410 sheep, before being killed by hunters in February 1953.[A]
The "varmint" first attracted attention in February 1952, when six lambs were found dead in the snow, although several sheep losses prior to this may also have been caused by the same predator.[1] Shortly afterwards, sheep losses started to occur almost nightly. The largest flock losses were suffered by farmers Harry Lineberry (94 sheep), Bob Davis (58) and Jim Hoge (50).[1] Bowen Meek lost 42 of his 85 sheep, including his entire lamb crop, and sold the remaining sheep to offset his losses.[1] In total, the "varmint" killed at least 410 sheep in Burke's Garden, collectively worth at least $23,000.[1][2][3][B] For nearly a year, the predator's identity was unknown, although locals speculated that it was variously a dog, cat, wolf or wolverine.[1] Based on fleeting sightings, some even suggested it was a baboon or kangaroo.[1]