Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


Black Vultures: An Increasing Nuisance for Oklahoma Cattlemen and Cattlewomen

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 10:45:38 CDT

Black Vultures: An Increasing Nuisance for Oklahoma Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Most Oklahomans' relationships with vultures do not go any deeper than when they whiz by birds scavenging on carrion on roadsides or when they are noticed circling the skies on sunny days. Oklahoma ranchers, on the other hand, have a long and sordid relationship with black vultures.

Scott Alls, state director at USDA APHIS Wildlife Services for Oklahoma, talked with KC Sheperd, associate farm director for Radio Oklahoma Ag Network, about how problems arise for both black vultures and ranchers when the birds prey on newborn calves.

"We have probably had them for fifteen or twenty years, but due to remoteness, a lot of people did not realize that they are the predator that they are," Alls said. "A lot of times, when a producer found a calf being fed upon, they assumed it was still-born or maybe taken by coyotes, when in reality, it may have been preyed upon by these vultures."

Oklahoma is home to two species of vultures: turkey vultures and black vultures - both serving an important role in Mother Nature's clean-up crew. There are some important differences, which play into why black vultures are in trouble while turkey vultures are not.

Turkey vultures have poor eyesight and primarily rely on a strong sense of smell to detect food and they do not tend to flock together. On the other hand, black vultures primarily rely on sight to detect food and tend to flock together, meaning they can detect potential food sources like a newborn calf and have the strength in numbers to turn an opportunity into a meal.

When black vultures begin to prey on livestock, ranchers are left with few solutions because vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which requires a permit to "take" or kill protected birds.

"What we have done here in Oklahoma is ODAFF has become the permit holder," Alls said.

He is talking about a master depredation permit. Just this year, with ODAFF licensed as the master permit holder, Oklahoma livestock producers can apply for a livestock protection depredation sub-permit - allowing five legal "takes" of black vultures at no cost.

"In the past, if you went through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a depredation permit, it would take you several weeks to receive it," Alls said. "(Now,) we can have you approved in twenty-four hours."

There are requirements and producers must prove that they have a predation problem with black vultures before the state grants them a sub-permit, Alls said.

There are also non-lethal ways to deter black vultures and protect cattle, Alls said.

Hit the LISTEN BAR below to hear KC Sheperd's conversation with Scott Alls as they discuss this issue.


   


   

Listen to KC's conversation with Scott here.
right-click to download mp3

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.