Ugly black buzzards finding Texas buffet in young stock

[Mugu]

By MICHAEL GRACZYK, Associated Press via chron.com

COLLEGE STATION — Maybe if they were pretty, the ubiquitous buzzards that soar over Texas and elsewhere before landing to dine on some carcass wouldn't be viewed with such repugnance or considered a nuisance. "Unquestionably, they're as ugly as sin," says Ian Tizard, a Texas A&M University professor of immunology and director of the school's Schubot Exotic Bird Center.

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Ranchers all around Texas increasingly are telling wildlife authorities that black vultures in particular, considered the more aggressive version of the bird and can reach 25 inches in length and have a wingspan of 5 feet, are responsible for killing young cows, sheep and goats.

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In Madisonville, about 100 miles north of Houston, city commissioners gave their blessing in January to shoot vultures blamed for destroying property as long as folks obtained the proper federal permits. Vultures, like virtually all birds, are federally protected.

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"Ten years ago, it was a rarity, but it's pretty frequent nowadays," he said. "Usually we'll end up assisting the rancher. Nine times out of 10, we'll assist him getting a permit." The permit allows the birds to be trapped or killed in addition to allow use of harassment to try to drive them away.



Complete article

[NMDemDist2]

1. Patience, Hell I'm gonna go kill something....

[jpak]

2. The photo is a turkey vulture

n/t

[shireen]

3. interesting photo

Could it be a hybrid? The front wing has the signature wing and pink head of a Turkey Vulture. But the back wing does not have the white primary and secondary feathers. Curious ...

Interesting story about the Black Vultures. Guess one BV learned how to do it and told its buddies. They are smart little fellas! But I wonder how much of it is exaggerated? As the article mentioned, the birds may have been picking off weak cows, and indirectly selecting for stronger animals surviving to continue the "strong" lineage.

Also, I wonder if this is an isolated phenomena or is it more widespread?

I think vultures are cool. They're nature's clean-up crew and serve an important role in all land ecological systems.

[Quantess]

4. I thought vultures only feed off the dead or nearly dead.

Vultures don't kill healthy animals.

[msongs]

5. its a good way to justify killing them and maybe get some welfare for the dead animals too nt