Black Vultures: Know the Risk, Know the Rules
If you have livestock, especially cattle, you’ve likely seen black vultures around your operation. They may be perched on fence posts, circling overhead, gathered around a carcass, or hanging around a calving pasture. For many livestock producers, black vultures are simply another bird that comes with raising cattle. However, in some situations, they can become more than just a nuisance.
Black vultures are scavengers by nature, and they play an important role in cleaning up carrion. The problem for livestock producers is that black vultures do not always limit themselves to animals that have already died. They can sometimes prey on vulnerable newborn livestock, particularly calves, and may cause injuries or losses around calving areas. That makes understanding these birds important for livestock producers and landowners.
One of the first steps is identifying a black vulture. Black vultures are relatively compact compared to some other vultures and have short, broad wings. Their heads are dark gray to black and, when flying, their wings show lighter patches near the tips. They are also known for their strong, somewhat aggressive behavior around food.
Understanding their biology and behavior can help explain why they may be showing up around your farm or ranch. Availability of food, livestock activity, carcasses, and other attractants can all influence where vultures spend their time.
The bigger question for producers is: What can you legally do about them?
Black vultures are protected under federal law with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, meaning producers cannot simply shoot or otherwise remove them whenever they become a problem. Management options are available, but it is important to understand what is legal before taking action.
This is where education can make a difference.
On Wednesday, September 30, at 6 p.m., K-State Extension will host “Black Vultures: Know the Risk, Know the Rules” at the Neosho Valley Event Center, 321 N. Wood, Erie, Kansas.
Dr. Drew Ricketts, K-State Wildlife Management & Control Extension Specialist, will lead the program. Dr. Ricketts will cover how to identify black vultures, their biology and behavior, what attracts them to an area, and the potential impacts they can have on livestock, agricultural operations, and wildlife.
Perhaps most importantly for producers, the program will also cover management options. The goal is to provide practical information to help landowners reduce conflicts and understand the rules and regulations governing black vulture management.
The evening will begin with a complimentary meal, followed by the educational program. The event is being hosted by K-State Extension Southwind District and co-hosted by Cherokee County and the Wildcat District.
Whether you have experienced problems with black vultures already or simply want to better understand what you can and cannot do when they become a concern, this program should provide useful information for livestock producers and landowners.
Please RSVP by September 28 by calling 620-244-3826.
Black vultures are a part of the Kansas landscape, and completely eliminating them isn’t the goal. The goal is to understand the bird, recognize when it becomes a problem, and know what options are available to manage that problem responsibly. Join us in Erie on September 30th by RSVPing to 620-365-2242. If you have any questions, contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent.