Yes turkey vultures are a protected species in the United States. They are listed under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which makes it illegal to kill, capture, or harm them without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This protection extends to their nests and eggs as well.
Why are turkey vultures protected?
Turkey vultures play an important role in the ecosystem. They are scavengers, which means they eat dead animals. This helps to keep the environment clean and free of disease. Turkey vultures are also very efficient at finding food. They can smell carrion from miles away. This makes them an important part of the food chain.
What can you do if you have a problem with turkey vultures?
If you are having problems with turkey vultures, there are a few things you can do. First, try to identify the source of the problem. Are the vultures attracted to a food source, such as a dead animal or garbage? If so, remove the food source You can also try to scare the vultures away by making loud noises or using pyrotechnics. However, it is important to remember that you cannot harm the vultures in any way
If you are having serious problems with turkey vultures, you can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for assistance. They may be able to issue you a permit to remove the vultures or their nests.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website: https://www.fws.gov/birds/migratory-bird-treaty-act-mbta.php
- The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website: https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/Nuisance-Wildlife.aspx
- The University of Kentucky Forestry and Natural Resources website: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/vulture_deter
Frequently Asked Questions
Are turkey vultures dangerous?
No, turkey vultures are not dangerous to humans. They are scavengers and will not attack live animals.
What do turkey vultures eat?
Turkey vultures eat carrion, which is the dead flesh of animals. They do not eat live animals.
Where do turkey vultures live?
Turkey vultures are found throughout North and South America. They are most common in open areas, such as fields and forests.
How long do turkey vultures live?
Turkey vultures can live up to 25 years in the wild.
How can I identify a turkey vulture?
Turkey vultures are large birds with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. They have a bald head and neck, and their body is black. They soar through the air with their wings held in a V-shape.
What is the difference between a turkey vulture and a black vulture?
Turkey vultures have a red head and neck, while black vultures have a gray head and neck. Turkey vultures also have a longer wingspan than black vultures.
Are black vultures protected?
Yes, black vultures are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
How can I deter vultures from my property?
There are a few things you can do to deter vultures from your property. First, try to remove any food sources that may be attracting them, such as dead animals or garbage. You can also try to scare the vultures away by making loud noises or using pyrotechnics. However, it is important to remember that you cannot harm the vultures in any way.
If you are having serious problems with vultures, you can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for assistance. They may be able to issue you a permit to remove the vultures or their nests.
Additional Resources
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website: https://www.fws.gov/birds/migratory-bird-treaty-act-mbta.php
- The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website: https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/Nuisance-Wildlife.aspx
- The University of Kentucky Forestry and Natural Resources website: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/vulture_deter