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Black vulture permits available to Illinois livestock producers

The director of commodity programs and food systems with the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) says instances of black vulture predation of livestock are on the rise.

Tasha Bunting says issues with the more aggressive relatives to the turkey vulture were once limited to far southern Illinois, but…

“Primarily those that are either calving on pasture or have lambs out on pasture. They’re having issues.”  She says, “We’re seeing more and more of them migrate into Illinois every year, and they’re starting to encroach a little bit farther north every year.”

She tells Brownfield the birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and state laws and regulations, but IFB has secured statewide black vulture depredation permits for the year.

“The process goes pretty quickly in order to get the permits through the appropriate channels and back to the producers so they have it in order to be able to utilize and exercise that permit.”  She says, “We also cover the fee here in Illinois, so it’s of no cost to livestock producers.”

Bunting says permits are available to livestock farmers facing depredation of commercial livestock, which includes cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine.

Impacted producers can reach out to their local county Farm Bureau office to learn more, or email Bunting at [email protected].

AUDIO: Tasha Bunting – Illinois Farm Bureau