By Blake Jackson
A group of Republican senators has introduced the Black Vulture Relief Act, aiming to give farmers more freedom to protect their livestock from black vultures. These birds, while federally protected, have been known to attack newborn calves and piglets, causing stress and economic loss for farmers.
Currently, farmers must apply for federal permits to kill or capture black vultures under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The new bill would remove that permit requirement, allowing direct action while still requiring farmers to report bird kills to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The use of poison would remain banned.
Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma introduced the bill alongside Senators Eric Schmitt of Missouri, John Cornyn of Texas, and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Similar efforts were made in 2023 and 2024, and a matching House bill is also underway.
“Oklahoma ranchers deserve the right to protect their livestock from threatening predators,” said Mullin. “Attacks from black vultures are all too common and our ranchers are suffering the consequences.”
The black vulture population has grown in recent years and expanded northward into states like Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Farmers can currently apply for free permits through a pilot program, but many argue it’s not enough.
“This doesn't just put the farmer [or] rancher in a bad position,” said Laramie Adams of the Texas Farm Bureau. “That puts consumers in a bad position long term. So, you know, any loss that they take, even if it's a few baby calves a year, that's a loss they shouldn't have to take.”
Experts like Teresa Steckler from the University of Illinois note that black vultures are intelligent and return yearly to farms during calving seasons. While lethal control may help, she encourages preventive steps like removing dead trees and using vulture decoys.
However, Scott Rush of Mississippi State University warns that killing vultures without knowing population levels could harm ecosystems. Vultures play a key role in cleaning up carcasses and preventing disease spread.
The bill highlights a growing conflict between protecting farmers and conserving wildlife.
Photo Credit: stock-jaboticabaimages
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle