- Stampede: Cattle could easily stampede during a thunderstorm or other sudden disturbance. This could lead to the loss of many animals and injuries to the cowboys.
- Rustling: Cattle were often stolen by rustlers, who would either sell the animals or use them for their own purposes. This was a major financial loss for the ranchers.
- Disease: Cattle were susceptible to a variety of diseases, such as anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease. These diseases could quickly spread through a herd and decimate it.
- Predators: Cattle were preyed upon by predators, such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. These predators could kill or injure the animals, as well as scare the herd and cause them to stampede.
- Weather: The Goodnight-Loving Trail passed through a variety of climates, including hot deserts, cold mountains, and thunderstorms. These weather conditions could be harsh on the cattle, leading to illness or death.
- Rough Terrain: The trail passed through rough terrain, including steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and treacherous river crossings. These conditions could cause the cattle to become injured or exhausted.