Zach123
Songster
Vultures and all raptors are indeed protected by a couple different federal laws. Hazing problematic animals is okay but I would encourage anyone considering harming or killing these animals to reconsider. Not just because it’s illegal, but if you haven’t seen the recent report, bird numbers in North America have plummeted in the past few decades. Any birds, from warblers to eagles, really don’t need us exacerbating their population declines because we are “frustrated” with them. Especially considering that chickens are the single most numerous bird species on the planet and as managed livestock stand about zero chance of devistating population crashes or extinction. The same cannot be said for many of our wild bird species.
Vultures are also far more beneficial for the environment then they are harmful to any kind of livestock. Might they go after a chicken or a calf? It’s possible but it is not something I would be overly concerned about. Heck, if you have loggerhead or northern shrikes in your area they would probably hunt small, young chickens more than a vulture would. But consider the turkey vulture’s scientific name: Cathartes aura, the purifying breeze. The work they do to clean up carrion is vitally important and helps keep infectious diseases like anthrax and rabies from spreading in the environment. I wouldn’t worry about vultures in my yard. But worldwide, vultures are considered one of the most vulnerable groups of birds, having declined by over 90% in Africa, Asia, and Europe and considering they are responsible for removing some 70% of the carrion in those places, the loss of these important animals is something to worry about.
Vultures are also far more beneficial for the environment then they are harmful to any kind of livestock. Might they go after a chicken or a calf? It’s possible but it is not something I would be overly concerned about. Heck, if you have loggerhead or northern shrikes in your area they would probably hunt small, young chickens more than a vulture would. But consider the turkey vulture’s scientific name: Cathartes aura, the purifying breeze. The work they do to clean up carrion is vitally important and helps keep infectious diseases like anthrax and rabies from spreading in the environment. I wouldn’t worry about vultures in my yard. But worldwide, vultures are considered one of the most vulnerable groups of birds, having declined by over 90% in Africa, Asia, and Europe and considering they are responsible for removing some 70% of the carrion in those places, the loss of these important animals is something to worry about.
