Youve seen them on the roadways, youve seen them circling overhead in a field or in the woods near a neighborhood, vultures. They may be annoying even a nuisance at times such is the case of a farmer in Arkansas that has been losing some of his calves right after birth to vultures.
According to a report from KAIT News 8, black-headed vultures have been swarming and attacking newborn calves even killing some of them at a Northeast Arkansas Farm. In a matter of a few minutes, vultures or buzzards can rip away at the carcass and do significant damage to the calves as they are a very aggressive species. They have been known to attack other small animals such as goats, lambs, and other wild animals.
The U of A Extension Office in Sharp County where the attack occurred reminds farmers there is a program through the Arkansas Farm Bureau that can help with the issue. Its called the Black Vulture Depredation Permit which allows a person to kill three vultures if it is affecting livestock and the financial livelihood of the farmers stock.
The turkey vulture is a common sight in the skies over much of the Americas. With its distinctive red head and dark wings this scavenger plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping dispose of carcasses. But despite providing this valuable service the turkey vulture enjoys strict legal protections that carry hefty penalties for those who violate them.
Why Are Turkey Vultures Protected?
Turkey vultures, along with all other native bird species in the United States, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This federal law makes it illegal to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, possess, sell, or transport any migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs without a permit. The law was enacted to protect bird populations that were being decimated by overhunting and the millinery trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
While turkey vultures may not seem rare or threatened today, they provide ecological benefits that warrant continued protection As scavengers that feast on carrion, they help control populations of potentially disease-carrying or pest-prone organisms Their incredible sense of smell allows them to rapidly locate and consume animal remains before they can rot or spread contamination. Vultures also help limit the spread of anthrax and botulism. By quickly gobbling up carcasses, they reduce the amount of time these deadly bacteria have to multiply and infect other animals or humans.
Penalties for Killing Turkey Vultures
Given the turkey vulture’s protected status, killing one intentionally comes with stiff penalties. Violators face:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $15,000 per bird
- Possible probation
The potential jail time and five-figure fines provide a strong deterrent to persecuting these harmless scavengers. Fines may be levied per bird, so destroying a nest of vulture eggs could draw penalties of $60,000 or more.
Some states also have additional laws protecting vultures and other birds of prey. For example in Florida it is illegal to kill any birds in the Pandionidae (osprey) or Accipitridae (hawks, eagles, kites) families. Violators can face up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines under Florida law.
When Is Killing Vultures Permitted?
There are some limited instances where killing turkey vultures is allowed. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act provides for issuing depredation permits to kill birds causing property damage, posing risks to human health and safety, or negatively impacting agricultural operations. However, nonlethal deterrents must be attempted first.
If nonlethal options fail, farmers whose livestock are being threatened can apply for a permit authorizing lethal control of specific vultures. Permits may also be issued to address vulture damage to buildings, aircraft strike hazards, or accumulation of droppings. But again, all nonlethal remedies must be exhausted prior to receiving a depredation permit.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stresses that permits cannot be issued simply because someone finds vultures annoying or distasteful. There must be thorough documentation of actual property damage, health risks, or financial impacts resulting from the birds. Casual shooting or poisoning of turkey vultures is strictly prohibited and subject to prosecution.
Consequences of Killing Turkey Vultures
Beyond the legal punishments for killing turkey vultures, there are environmental impacts that should be considered. Eliminating these efficient scavengers can allow carcasses to rot longer, increasing the spread of bacteria and viruses. Removal of vultures may also allow populations of pest species like rats or feral hogs to increase. And the loss of vultures can impact other scavenger species that depend on their ability to find carrion.
So while turkey vultures may not be the most beloved bird, they provide essential services in the places they live. Strict protections and penalties help preserve vulture populations and remind us that we share the landscape with a diversity of species—even those we might consider unappealing. Respecting wildlife and finding humane coexistence protects our shared environment. And it spares us from the substantial fines and jail time that come with flouting wildlife laws.
Against The Law in the U.S.
Killing a black vulture or the turkey vulture is against the law not only in Arkansas but the United States, Canada, and Mexico to kill one of these birds. Violation of this law could land you in jail for 6 months and up to a $15,000 fine.
To keep these big birds away from your property or home use decoys like hawks or owls in nearby trees. The good news vultures have no reason to attack a live human being or pet but you may encounter one at some point. Ever since mankind has been around vultures have always been a symbol or sign of death but these birds are here to purge the earths ecosystem whether we like them or not.
Heres a farmers story in our neighboring state, Missouri.
Is illegal to kill or shoot a vulture in Arkansas?
Yes! Arkansas law states it is against the law to kill a vulture without a permit. The bird is federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The law even applies to trapping, relocating, or moving the vultures eggs without a permit. black vultures or turkey buzzards are natures scavengers helping get rid of dead carcasses that could spread diseases.
Black vultures are killing this farmer’s cows and he needs a permit to fire back
FAQ
Is it illegal to kill a turkey vulture?
Are turkey vultures protected by federal law?
Why are turkey vultures protected?
Is it illegal to shoot turkey vultures in New York state?