Vultures are something you’ve seen on the roads, in fields, or in the woods close to a residential area. They could occasionally be bothersome, even annoying, as demonstrated by the farmer in Arkansas who has been losing some of his newborn calves to vultures.
Black-headed vultures have been attacking and killing baby calves at a farm in Northeast Arkansas, according to a report from KAIT News 8. Due to their extreme aggression, vultures and buzzards can tear into the carcass in a matter of minutes, seriously injuring the calves. They have been known to attack other small animals such as goats, lambs, and other wild animals.
Farmers are reminded by the U of A Extension Office in Sharp County, where the attack took place, that there is an Arkansas Farm Bureau program that can assist with the problem. The Black Vulture Depredation Permit, as it is known, permits the killing of three vultures if they are endangering livestock and the farmer’s stock.
What is the fine for killing a turkey vulture?
In the USA, it is illegal to take, kill, or possess Turkey Vultures, and violation of the law is punishable by a fine of up to 15,000 US dollars and imprisonment of up to six months.
Turkey Vultures: Nature’s Cleanup Crew
Turkey vultures are an integral part of our ecosystem, playing a crucial role as scavengers. They help keep our environment clean by consuming carrion, preventing the spread of disease and promoting healthy ecosystems. These majestic birds are often misunderstood and even feared, but their ecological importance cannot be overstated.
Illegal Shooting of Turkey Vultures: A Serious Threat
Sadly, these beneficial birds are facing a serious threat: illegal shooting. Recent incidents in Colorado have highlighted this disturbing trend, with several turkey vultures being shot and killed. This not only violates federal law but also disrupts the delicate balance of our natural world.
Protecting Turkey Vultures: A Collective Responsibility
It’s our collective responsibility to protect these valuable creatures. If you witness or suspect illegal shooting of turkey vultures, please report it immediately to the authorities. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is actively investigating these incidents and offering rewards for information leading to arrests.
Beyond the Law: Understanding and Appreciating Turkey Vultures
While legal repercussions are crucial, it’s equally important to foster understanding and appreciation for turkey vultures. These birds are not pests; they are vital members of our ecosystem, performing a service that benefits all of us. By learning more about their role and dispelling misconceptions, we can create a more tolerant and respectful environment for these amazing creatures.
Additional Resources:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: https://cpw.state.co.us/
- Operation Game Thief: https://cpw.state.co.us/operationgamethief
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act: https://www.fws.gov/birds/laws-and-policies/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php
Let’s work together to protect turkey vultures and ensure their continued contribution to a healthy and balanced environment.
#TurkeyVultures #WildlifeProtection #Ecosystem #Nature #EndangeredSpecies
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.
Utilize hawks or owls as decoys in surrounding trees to keep these large birds away from your property or house. The good news is that vultures have no justification for attacking a live person or animal, but you might come across one eventually. Vultures have always been associated with death since humans have existed, but whether we like them or not, these birds are necessary to cleanse the earth’s ecosystem.
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.
Turkey Vultures
FAQ
What is the penalty for killing a turkey vulture?
Why can’t you shoot turkey vultures?
What kills turkey vultures?
What are the penalties for killing turkey vultures?
Fines up to $5,000 and/or 6 months jail time. – Florida – Year-round protection under Florida Administrative Code. Up to $500 fine for killing turkey vultures. – Illinois – Fully protected as endangered/threatened species under Wildlife Code. Illegal to harass or kill.
Can you kill turkey vultures without a permit?
No. Turkey vultures are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits killing, hunting, or harming them without a permit. There are up to $15,000 in fines for violating the MBTA. However, some illegal killing still occurs.
Does a turkey vulture kill a calf?
The turkey vulture does not kill live animals but will mix with flocks of black vultures and will scavenge what they leave behind. Nonetheless, its appearance at a location where a calf has been killed gives the incorrect impression that the turkey vulture represents a danger to calves.
Can turkey vultures be held in captivity?
The turkey vulture can be held in captivity, though the Migratory Bird Treaty Act prevents this in the case of uninjured animals or animals capable of returning to the wild. In captivity, it can be fed fresh meat, and younger birds will gorge themselves if given the opportunity.