The House Natural Resources Committee held a full committee markup of several bills, including the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) commends the House Natural Resources Committee for reporting this legislation out of committee favorably. This legislation addresses an issue that NCBA members have faced for years, as they have dealt with the devastating attacks on their livestock without the ability to protect their cattle from these predators.
“Cattle producers across much of the nation are facing the financial and emotional strain of livestock depredations due to overabundant black vultures. Populations have skyrocketed into the millions in recent years. The current take permit numbers are just not enough to properly manage the population while also protecting newborn calves that make easy targets for these predators,” said NCBA President-Elect and Virginia cattleman Gene Copenhaver. “We are seeing the lowest cattle inventory numbers since the 1950s. As cattle producers, we cannot afford to risk newborn calves to predators, like black vultures, if we are going to begin rebuilding the herd. We are thankful for the work of Congressman John Rose for introducing this legislation and for Chairman Bruce Westerman’s continued support by advancing this bill through the House Natural Resources Committee.”
Background
Black vulture depredation rates have increased across the Southeast in recent years, surpassing 30% in some states like Florida. The bill would allow a cattle producer to “take” (capture, kill, disperse, or transport) black vultures that pose a risk to livestock. Additionally, the bill reduces permitting burdens and red tape by instituting a simple report that producers submit once per year detailing the number of black vultures they took. Streamlining the system and lifting the cap on the number of black vultures that producers can take is a commonsense approach to managing a fully recovered, aggressive predator species.
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s statement from Michael Kelsey – “OCA strongly supports the passage of the Black Vulture Relief Act and greatly appreciates the House Natural Resources Committee advancing the bill. Oklahoma cattle producers have seen far too many black vultures kill baby calves and permanently injure mother cows. OCA looks forward to the bill advancing in the House and as well as the Senate companion bill. Also special thanks to the entire Oklahoma delegation in the both the House and Senate for supporting this legislation!”
