What is a primary concern for ranchers regarding coyotes?

One of the primary concerns for ranchers regarding coyotes is damage to livestock. Coyotes are known predators and can pose a significant threat to young, vulnerable livestock such as sheep, goats, and calves. When coyotes attack livestock, it can lead to not only the loss of individual animals but also economic losses for ranchers in terms of reduced herd size and the expenses associated with managing predator populations. This concern drives many ranchers to seek effective measures for coyote control while balancing ecological considerations.

The other options, while they may impact ranching indirectly or in different contexts, do not represent the direct, primary threat that coyotes pose to ranchers. For instance, while increased rodent populations may affect crops, it's the predation on livestock that leads to more immediate financial consequences for ranchers. Similarly, invasive plant species and water depletion are more related to environmental management and conservation issues rather than direct interactions between coyotes and livestock. Therefore, the greatest concern remains the predation of livestock by coyotes.