Black Vultures Becoming Danger to Animals in Kentucky

I think when most of us see a big, black bird circling over, we might think it's a vulture maybe feasting on a dead deer or another wild animal. I didn't realize these predators were capable of attacking animals that are much more valuable, especially to farmers. 

Farmers in both Kentucky and in Southern Indiana have recently experienced more vulture and turkey attacks on their livestock. Each year, Kentucky farmers lose around $300,000 to $500,000 worth of livestock to black vultures.

But not only bigger animals are at risk. Household pets are also vulnerable.

The rub of all this is black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Vultures cannot be shot without federal permission. Thus, getting rid of them will require a little more creativity, such as an effigy, like a scarecrow, or noise.

In 2015, the Kentucky Farm Bureau began offering free, but limited amounts of permits. The vultures can also not be lured, as in specifically hunted.

The KFB also suggests getting rid of dead or roadkill animals as quickly as possible. Vultures hunt all day until about 30 minutes before dusk.

The important tip is to keep your eyes on all herds and animals, their whereabouts, and keep them close.