Batesville, In. — Cattle producers in four Midwestern states have reported a spike of Black Vulture attacks on herds. The federally protected black birds have reported swooping into herds and peck newborn animals to death.
Some farmers have reported the loss of multiple calves, lambs, goats, foals and other animals.
Experts say Black Vultures differ from Turkey Vultures who dine exclusively on the carcasses of dead animals. Experts have referred to vultures as “nature’s cleanup crew.”
The black vulture is native to South America but made its way into the southeastern United States and recently has been reported in the Midwest states.
Because the birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, farmers can eradicate them but only with a permit.
Experts say one nonlethal way to ward off attacks is to hang a replica of a black vulture in effigy near where the calves and other animals congregate. Farmers also are encouraged to remove calf afterbirth quickly since black vultures are attracted to it.
