May 01, 2025

Black vulture depredation permits available for livestock farmers

By AgriNews Staff
A black vulture perches on a fence post. Like the more common turkey vulture, the black vulture feeds off dead animals, but unlike the turkey vulture, it also attacks live animals. Cattle producers have reported that newborn calves are particularly vulnerable to fatal attacks.

A black vulture perches on a fence post. Like the more common turkey vulture, the black vulture feeds off dead animals, but unlike the turkey vulture, it also attacks live animals. Cattle producers have reported that newborn calves are particularly vulnerable to fatal attacks. (AP photo/Missouri Department of Conservation/AP)

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Farm Bureau secured statewide black vulture depredation permits through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service effective April 1 through Dec. 31.

Black vultures are known to prey on young livestock and birthing mothers, causing significant injuries and even death.

IFB continues to work with U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to issue federal sub-permits to livestock farmers who are experiencing issues with black vultures on their land.

IFB will also continue to work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to secure the necessary state permits for farmers seeking approval.

“Illinois’ black vulture population has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in the southern portion of the state. These birds often prey on young livestock, especially in open pastures and can create major financial losses for farmers,” said IFB President Brian Duncan.

“Securing these federal depredation permits streamlines the application process and reduces cost to the producer. It is our hope that this process helps farmers access the necessary tools as quickly as possible to protect their livestock.”

Brian Duncan

Duncan

Black vultures, which have a dark gray head and are aggressive, should not be confused with their larger, less aggressive and red-headed relative, the turkey vulture. Turkey vultures may be found throughout Illinois.

Black vultures live in southern regions, but are expanding their range further north, creating depredation problems for farmers.

As migratory birds, black vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, state laws and regulations. Therefore, they can’t be killed or destroyed without a migratory bird depredation permit from USFWS and a Class B nuisance wildlife control permit from IDNR.

IFB will issue sub-permits as a benefit to livestock farmers who are experiencing problems with black vultures and assist in securing IDNR’s required permit.

The sub-permit is available to livestock farmers facing depredation of commercial livestock, which includes cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine.

Approved applicants will be allowed a maximum of three birds, determined after consultation with USDA Wildlife Services. Following the consultation and approval, a state permit will also be provided by IDNR.

Applicants must agree to follow all rules and regulations required by USFWS in the IFB statewide permit and the requirements of the IDNR permit. IFB, IDNR, USFWS and USDA Wildlife Services created this permit process in 2021 to assist livestock producers.

Interested livestock producers may request a sub-permit application by contacting Tasha Bunting, IFB director of commodity programs and food systems, at tbunting@ilfb.org.

Farm BureauIllinois Department of Natural ResourcesIllinois Farm BureauLivestockUSDAWildlife
AgriNews Staff

AgriNews Staff

The Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews staff is in the field each week, covering topics that affect local farm families and their businesses. We give readers information they can’t get elsewhere to help them make better farming decisions.