Illinois livestock farmers who are facing the challenge of highly-aggressive black vultures now have a solution at their disposal.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has granted the Illinois Farm Bureau statewide black vulture depredation permits, which will be in effect from now until March 31, 2025. Black vultures, being migratory birds, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, meaning they cannot be killed or harmed without the necessary migratory bird depredation permit.
According to IFB President Brian Duncan, the black vulture population in Illinois has seen a significant increase in recent years, especially in the southern part of the state. This rise in numbers poses a threat to farmers as these birds often target young livestock, causing substantial financial losses, particularly in open pastures.
According to Tasha Bunting, the director of Commodity Programs and Farm Systems at the Illinois Farm Bureau, black vultures are primarily found in the southern regions of the state. However, they are now starting to expand their range further north.
According to Bunting, the birds are becoming a more significant problem as they display aggressive behavior. Unlike the red-headed turkey vultures, these birds are not only attacking but also exhibiting predatory characteristics.
Black vultures, with a wingspan of approximately five feet and a weight of around five pounds, are witnessing an expansion in their populations towards the north. Bunting suggests that this phenomenon could be influenced by weather conditions.
According to Bunting, the presence of a growing flock of birds in Illinois is a recent phenomenon. In the past, these birds were not commonly seen in the state. However, in recent years, their numbers have been increasing. Bunting suggests that the milder winters in the region may be a contributing factor to this trend, as they are not incentivizing the birds to migrate elsewhere.
After consulting with USDA Wildlife Services, approved applicants will be granted permission to have up to three birds. Once the consultation and approval process is complete, IDNR will issue a state permit to the applicants.
