We appreciate you sharing this story because we were quite concerned about our little dogs.
On January 14, 2019, Kiesha:
Yesterday I saw a dead cat being eaten by turkey vultures. Cleaning it out only took a few hours.
on May 2, 2018, Tammy
We live on a farm, and there were two turkey buzzards sitting there, one on top of the barn and the other inside. I have a horse, so I’m worried that one of them would attack my horse. I also don’t know if they breed in barns or if they have young in there.
I supposedly reside in an apartment with turkey vulture nests on the roof. To prevent the vultures from landing, they have placed some stakes. On July 17, 2017, at least four turkeys may have made things worse compared to previous week:
Quite frightful considering how large these vultures are and that, according to internet research, they consume anything not moving. They have been known to consume newborn calves since they are unable to stand up, as well as their mothers who are large but unable to stand after giving birth.
One of their neighbors responded to Jane’s complaint by saying, “All God’s children.” Do you think they came from God? They most likely are, but you should move because they genuinely make you queasy. I currently have uncontrolled hypertension as well. I was advised to check into a hotel by a buddy who had looked them up online until I could find another house, apartment, townhouse, or anything.
In truth, there are more issues with this apartment building (which they define as a luxury apartment). Along with the turkey vultures, I’ve also encountered carpenter ants, carpet beetles, and a dirty turkey vulture whose mites went into my lower legs while I was dipping them into the water.
I imagine that I would perceive the turkey vultures as a threat if I were any of you. Although they are a protected species, the DNR should be able to assist. Not the case here, although perhaps not adequately described. The condo put up the spikes I mentioned after I suggested the CDC get involved because the turkey mites got into my legs (and required extensive antibiotic treatment). My balcony has an Alcatraz-like appearance. I also don’t want that.
I’ll just relocate and stop whining, but for those of you who can’t because of your roots, children in school, or mortgages, I suggest you visit your local university and have your skin checked for Turkey vulture mites if you get a resh. I need to examine if there is blank mold throughout my apartment as well.
This apartment building was originally extremely attractive, but it isn’t now that the new owner has taken control.
On June 24, 2017, Pam
On June 7, 2017, Stella said:
Many thanks, K. People can be so ignorant at times! Always making false assumptions! The turkey buzzard is amazing! Without them, where would we be? In Texas’ The Woodlands, I reside. And there are a ton of them here. On my nightly walks, I love to observe them huddling in the Cypress trees. They are incredibly silent and not at all frightening. I adore buzzers!
on May 26, 2017, Robert
On January 18, 2017, Kim
Recently, rats were discovered in the garages of two of my neighbors. We have turkey vultures, and we’ve watched them take a rodent and three out of six newborn ducklings, respectively. I witnessed one being taken away as it was making this awful noise, and I will never forget it. We are from South Florida. So, yesterday, I was relaxing in my yard when a turkey vulture suddenly flew over it. A moment later, there were two more, and then a third. They flew above us, and since I have Chihuahuas, I panicked and hurried them inside. I could even see their heads because they were so near; I looked up the pictures. and that is undoubtedly Turkey Vultures. I now need to devise a plan for walking my dogs. I’m terrified because I believe that these birds believe my dogs to be rodents and their next meal. These birds, according to a friend of mine who is familiar with them, pick up small animals, drop them, and then consume them. My two Chihuahuas weigh only 4 and 5 lbs. each. They attack and eat small animals even while they are still alive, but you have to have experienced it to know that it is true. Therefore, if you wish to accept these professionals as they are mutilating and devouring your pet in front of your eyes, do so.
on November 25, 2016, Dave:
They have been pursuing my cat in my yard. When I arrived, my wife was chasing them around the yard with a frying pan. Fortunately, I had a 357 magnum handy, and they quickly left after I fired one round.
on August 24, 2016, Sal
They do indeed consume live animals. GO TO FARMERS! THEY WILL SNAP CHICKS, DUCKLINGS, AND KITTENS… ONLY TURKEY VULTURES ARE FOUND IN MAINE, AND AS THEY ARE NOT AT ALL AFRAID OF PEOPLE, YOU CAN EASILY SEE WHAT KIND OF BIRD IT IS. A small dog was attacked by an owl in Maine while it was still on a leash and its owner was present. DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT HUNGRY BIRD WILL PASS UP AN EASY MEAL. ASK A MAINE GAME WARDEN.
On August 19, 2016, whoknows
It’s so typical of folks to be so certain of their ignorance-based “knowledge.”
Posted by tessiam48 on May 29, 2016:
Turkey vultures can be left alone. The “attacks” or “swooping” were, in my opinion, other vultures.
K reported on September 8, 2015:
Furthermore, owls won’t “steal” your tiny canines. I can’t even with how stupid and uneducated they are. Yes, these remarks not only sadden me but also make me understand how important my job is as an educator.
Additionally, the posters accusing turkey vultures of killing live animals must clarify their claims. BLUE vultures, NOT turkey vultures, are capable of killing live calves. Can you even identify the species correctly before you denigrate them, you people? such illiteracy
There are a ton of ignorant comments on this page. Your pets, cats, or children WILL NOT be killed by turkey vultures. They are not physically capable of it; it is impossible! They don’t even qualify as raptors because of the weak grip strength in their “chicken feet”! Reading such uninformed remarks makes me sad because I know that vultures wouldn’t fear people as much if they were more attractive.
On July 9, 2015, Ally said:
A few days after my friend’s cat had been spayed, turkey buzzards killed and devoured it. I call BS on the claim that they don’t slaughter live animals because it occurs in FL.
on April 4, 2015, Keith
Today, I have to disagree because southeast Ohio is just entering spring. I spotted a flock of five turkey vultures over my neighbor’s house while I was in my yard with my niece while she was playing. They were no further than five feet away from us. My 3-year-old niece was told to look at them after I described what they were to her. I watched one as it gently moved to circle my house before flying over us. As I remained still and watched, it gradually lost height and, to my amazement, dived down on my niece. However, it stopped short of her and drew up just as I leaped up from the table I was sitting at. Though the crisis was avoided and it continued, I couldn’t help but worry what may have happened if I had been farther away. Therefore, refrain from telling people that they won’t attack a child or a pet because, although it’s rare, it does happen.
On November 10, 2014, all:
We have them all over my town in California, and they only appear to scavenge ospreys and hawks are different, therefore I don’t believe that. The reason this bird has a bald head is because when it sticks its head into a dead animal to eat, the feathers around their neck get crispy with dried blood, making them look spikey and stiff. I know for a fact that these birds don’t kill live animals because they have poor vision and rely on smell, and they are lumbering and slow. However, anything is possible, I suppose.
On September 25, 2014, Tim
I managed a wildlife park and took care of many Turkey Vultures that had undergone rehabilitation. The only animals in the park to bite me while I was feeding them were the turkey vultures, which included bears and cougars. Everything hinged on their attitude. In light of this, I suppose it all depends on how your turkey vulture is feeling when Fluffy goes outside to play.
on September 16, 2013, Chris:
These monsters devoured my little cat after killing it and ripping it to bits. They’ll be killed by me.
as of March 22, 2013, Doglover71
I’m from South Texas. There are turkey vultures everywhere. A car struck a deer, which then fell next to it. I had no idea that four trees could hold so many people. They are protected because they are migratory. We do, however, have little dogs. 9, 12, and 25 pounds. They have “buzzed” my smaller dogs without chasing after my sheltie, who appears larger with all his fur. Yes, vultures will take your small animal, all the locals in the vicinity agreed. They have been protected from shooting for a very long time. Ranchers have obtained special permits to shoot (at least, whether they hit them or not?) in order to prevent them from killing their animals, according to claims that there is not enough roadkill since they have turned their attention to larger animals like newborn goats or calves. Due to the ban, they are also unafraid, allowing them to sit on my house as well as the neighbors’ chimneys. We use a baseball bat to remove the dogs since owls will also take little dogs. I’ve heard that Californians enjoy gulf clubs:) What the books say doesn’t matter to me. The vultures are illiterate.
On August 31, 2012, Kailey
I can see turkey vultures flying close to my house, and I have two small pups that weigh less than 10 pounds. Will the vultures take up my dogs?
No, I don’t think so. I suppose what I wanted to say was that the evidence indicates that your “live” pets are safe. I’m going to bury mine when the time comes.
Yes, osprey will take advantage of live prey. Dogs aren’t specifically mentioned, but I’m not shocked that it was staring at your dog. I’m so happy you could save him/her!
Will a little puppy be attacked by a black vulture?
They will pluck dead lambs, full-grown ewes, and slimy newborn calves alive and consume them. LOUISVILLE, Ky.
Black vultures and turkey vultures, both of which are officially protected and cannot be killed without a permit, are very difficult to defend against.
All migrating birds, their nests, and their eggs are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which forbids any harm to the birds without prior approval from the federal government. As a deterrent, their nests can only be disturbed if there are no eggs or young within.
However, as the vultures, which are native to Kentucky, have increased in population across the country over the past 20 years, they have become a bigger issue for farmers. According to Joe Cain, director of the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s commodity division, farmers in Kentucky lose between $300,000 and $500,000 worth of livestock annually to these local vultures.
The birds can contribute significantly to the ecosystem by properly removing animal remains. However, as a result of their increased numbers, they are now more in need of sustenance in other forms, including life.
According to Derek Lawson, head herdsman at the 1300-acre biodynamic Foxhollow Farm in Oldham County, “with a vulture, it’s like someone came in with a skinning knife. ” It’s all straight lines. Normally, the hide is totally severed, however it will be ripped and jagged on a coyote or dog.
The birds may be more frequently spotted by non-farmers picking at decaying roadside carcasses. They are simple to recognize.
According to the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry, black vultures have gray heads and hold their 5-foot wings horizontally while flying. On the other hand, turkey vultures are faithful to their name, flying with a v-shaped profile and vivid red heads.
The two vultures are more prone to dine on live animals, with black vultures being historically the most ferocious.
These vultures typically travel to Pennsylvania from northern South America via Texas and the southeastern United States.
According to Wayne Long, the Jefferson County extension agent for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, warmer winters may have led to a rise of vultures in the United States. He claimed that vultures take advantage of climate change by staying put longer.
Since 2009, when Lawson believes vultures began building nests close to Foxhollow Farm, he has spotted more of them. He bases his annual plans on the vultures’ rapacious routines, which include circling the skies in search of anything vulnerable or dead.
He recalls seeing a flock of 60 vultures perched on nearby gates in one of his fields one spooky morning. Since they enjoy feasting on easy prey during calving season, he is most concerned about them then.
He crested a hill in the beginning of his 2019 calving season to find six vultures killing a calf.
He claimed that they enjoy playing with the infants. Before they peck out the calf’s eyes, they will first jump around and make the calf familiar with them.
He said that the entire process, from the lighthearted teasing to the thorough peeling, doesn’t take very long. It might only take a few minutes, depending on the size. “What they do is really effectively done by them.
Foxhollow hasn’t lost any mature cows to the vultures, according to Lawson, but the raptors have killed mature ewes during giving birth, when both the mother and her unborn child are at risk.
He has memories of discovering a ewe who had been attacked while she was giving birth. The weight of a mature ewe is between 160 and 180 pounds.
And the hide, he claimed, was like a large cape hanging off the back of the ears. “The entire ewe could be picked up, as well as the ear. However, the bones were completely without meat.
Small animals like cats and dogs may be more vulnerable to attack simply because they are smaller than larger pets, according to Long, the UK Jefferson County extension agent.
Before killing a vulture, a person must obtain a special government permit, which costs $100 apiece and needs to be renewed annually.
The Kentucky Farm Bureau started purchasing the permits in 2015 thanks to a collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Eligible applicants were also given access to complimentary sub-permits in a limited number of cases.
Fortunately for Lawson, the farmers in Foxhollow have held onto licences that allowed them to kill a small number of both black land turkey vultures every year since 2013. The agriculture bureau is now where it gets its permits.
They risk a punishment of up to $15,000 or six months in jail if they don’t have the permits.
After losing several ewes, lambs, and calves to vultures in 2013, the eldest of which was a 2-week-old calf, Foxhollow Farm initially obtained a permit.
The farmers had already made an unsuccessful attempt to scare the vultures away. They return to the scene thirty minutes later, according to Lawson. They determined that requesting government authorization to defend their herds was the wisest line of action.
According to the rules of the permit, the user must use a steel shot load designed for waterfowl, which ranges from No. 2 to No. 4 buckshot.
The size of the projectiles increases with decreasing number. Lawson always uses a 12-gauge shotgun, but there are no precise caliber limits.
He claimed that there is no risk of the shells striking the farm animals. When the vultures are in the air or in trees, he typically shoots at them. Additionally, the calf is already dead if they are on it.
He said, “The vultures are cunning.” They have already taken flight by the time he notices them attacking an animal and runs to his store to get the gun. He keeps his shotgun close at hand because of this throughout calving season.
The calving season, which he plans to last from April 1 to June 1, normally requires him to kill a few, and he exploits those early deaths to scare off the others.
For the sake of the other birds, he hangs the dead vultures upside down by a bright orange rope on Cherry trees.
He claimed that it is effective. The unsettling sight of the wings stretched upside down serves as a strong deterrence to the others. The vultures will enter to inspect their fallen buddy, but they will not consume it.
The live flocks are more cautious for several months as pests and weather give the dead, hanging vultures a taste of their own medicine. They hover in the upper atmosphere and wait before diving down to attack a young lamb or calf or to burrow through a compost pile in search of the final bits of putrefying meat.
Lawson claimed that vulture-related emotions are a constant balancing struggle for him. Although it hurts to see his livestock being attacked, he is aware that the vultures are useful for cleanup.
He stated, “You must have those lines. ” They play a crucial role in the environment. Otherwise, we would just have dead things lying around that would eventually decompose. They sort of accelerate things.
But even with Kentucky Farm Bureau’s improved permit accessibility, Lawson said it’s annoying to go through paperwork to defend his herds. He said, “It’s a bit of a problem.
He claimed that a five to ten percent death rate in the newborn calves was “fortunate,” and he must budget for at least that much loss each season.
He wants to locate the nests of those annoying birds so he can disturb them and shoo the vultures away.
However, the vultures cease hunting around 30 minutes before dusk, making it challenging to find where they perch. Lawson, however, will continue to try.
He will keep an eye on his herds and the tree lines for the time being while carrying binoculars at all times in case the flying ghouls become hungry and come in for a meal.
