the last time a wolf took livestock was when my grandparents were children. we see then upon occasion at a long distance.  i have always seen single wolves and never more than one set of tracks. i have never seen tracks near a house or barn. we assume they are just transients with no pack and we have never seen young. the Amish don't even mind them.

the coyotes, however are a pain. they don't seem to be afraid of much and will come with in 150 feet of the back door and just sit and look.  my neighbor lady, Ida, fed them for years and years (she is 90) and believes them to be gentle. i was horrified by this but she won't hear otherwise.

if I go with sheep i figure i will need a good dog or two, a great fence and a better rifle.  but i have no idea what kind of dogs would be best.