Having a problem with black vultures

From staff Reports

A six-week-old calf was the target of a black vulture attack, as recorded by an East Texas rancher. While the black vulture is better known to attack freshly-born calves, and sometimes their dams, they can also harm or kill older livestock. An effort is under way to get the birds cited for depredation. -- Courtesy photo

May 12, 2005 - Most ranchers dread the sight of circling black vultures - and not just because it often means something's dead.

Ranchers have often seen one of their dams battling a pack of these "buzzards" as she tries to defend her newborn. Worse, though, is the scene when the birds have won.

Black vultures have been known to harass livestock, especially while birthing; and even kill the newborn piglets, lambs, calves, etc.

On one hand, the vultures serve a purpose as "nature's garbage disposal." And, the vultures are a protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means they cannot be legally killed.

Brian Cummins, an East Texas cattleman and Van Zandt County Extension agent, has decided to do something about it.

"I know from personal experience that these black vultures can, and will, attack newborn calves. These are not the red-headed (turkey) buzzards, but the smaller, meaner version that has a smooth black head and white wing tips."

Black vultures are usually 25 inches in length with a 57-inch wingspan. Like its name indicates, the bird is black overall with a black, bald head.

Turkey vultures are a close relative to the black vulture. They are slightly bigger - 27 inches in length and 69-inch wingspan. The turkey vulture, identified by its red, bald head, rarely attacks livestock.

"Since the black vulture is protected by federal law, I have contacted the Texas Animal Damage Control Service and a legislative aide to both U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling at their Washington D.C. offices," Cummins said. "They tell me that what has to happen now is I need names and addresses of producers who have lost calves or other livestock to these creatures. We need to document the losses, have an animal damage control officer assess the situation in order to be able to apply for some permits because of depredation."

Cummins said the person's name, address, phone number, and location where the loss occurred needs to be documented.

Producers who have had damage caused by black vultures should contact the Extension agent in their county, who can then relay the information to the Texas Animal Damage Control Service.