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DEADLY THREAT: Black vultures are particularly dangerous for livestock operations because they will attack and kill live animals. Studies of their habits and control options are underway.
Livestock producers report black vultures are attacking and killing animals in Indiana.
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
For the past couple of years, primarily in southern Indiana, farmers with livestock have complained that a certain type of vulture known as the black vulture has caused economic losses by attacking and killing live animals, especially young livestock. Young calves are a prime target.
Some of these producers contacted Indiana Prairie Farmer, frustrated that no one seemed to be taking the problem seriously. Now, Patrick Zollner, a Purdue University professor of wildlife science, and Marian Wahl, a doctoral student, are taking it very seriously. They are partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to seek help from producers so they can learn more about the habits of these black vultures. The goal is to develop methods to stop them from harming livestock.