State Legislative Committees Finger Black Vulture As A Serious Predator Of Baby Calves

The Oklahoma Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee passed a resolution on Tuesday calling on the Federal Government to ease the burden on farmers and ranchers impacted by the black vulture. Black vultures have been preying on small baby calves in Oklahoma and across the southern portions of the US.

"We are very appreciative of Senator Brecheen's resolution on this important issue. It is calving season in Oklahoma and these birds are causing significant damage by killing baby calves," said Charlie Swanson, President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The resolution stated the following:

"Whereas, Black Vultures (coragyps atratus) have caused proven and documented depredation in the cattle industry specifically preying on newborn calves, and WHEREAS, Black Vultures are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and WHEREAS, A Take Permit is available to producers through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture; however, the permit process is not sufficient to address needs in specific areas where depredation has increased.