Purdue Extension says that black vultures are posing problems for Southern Indiana beef producers.
Unlike the beneficial turkey vulture of the region, the black vulture is a smaller but more aggressive vulture that is characterized by black feathers, except for silvery-white primary feathers that show during flight.
Purdue extension says black vultures are known to attack infant livestock and wildlife, particularly newborn caves. Native to the southern United States Black vulture populations have been on the rise.
They say an attack typically includes the vultures aiming at the calves eyes blinding them and then proceeding to other parts of the body.
Unfortunately black vultures rise in population came after the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protecting them and making it illegal to shoot them without a permit.
While a permit to shoot them can be obtained from the Region 3 US fish and wildlife service migratory bird permit office located in Minnesota, Purdue extension offers some other control methods for farmers with maintaining these pesky birds.
They include: habitat modification to remove easy roosts for vultures, hazing with red lasers,hanging the carcass of a dead vulture in the area and livestock guardian dogs.
For more information on control methods and depredation permits click here.
