U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, alongside Senators Markwayne Mullin and Eric Schmitt, has reintroduced the Black Vulture Relief Act. This legislation aims to allow farmers and producers to protect their livestock from black vultures without the need for a sub-permit. The current regulations require farmers to obtain permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to the protection of vultures under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
Senator Tuberville expressed his support for Alabama cattlemen, stating, “Alabama’s cattlemen work hard to feed our communities and shouldn’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops just to protect their herds.” He emphasized that adjusting these requirements is a commonsense approach to supporting cattlemen financially.
Black vultures have been increasingly problematic for livestock producers in regions like the Southeast and Midwest. These birds often attack newborn calves and other young livestock in flocks of more than 20, causing significant financial losses estimated at $2,000 per calf lost. In 2015 alone, vultures were responsible for 24,600 calf deaths.
Despite being rated as a species of lowest conservation concern by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in 2016, black vultures remain protected under federal law. This protection complicates efforts by farmers to defend their livestock against these predators.
The population of black vultures has surged by approximately 468% since 1990 according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey. Requests for depredation permits have also increased by 26% between 2015-2019 as ranchers seek ways to mitigate losses caused by these birds.
Senator Tuberville continues his legislative efforts on various fronts including protecting catfish from predatory birds and introducing bills aimed at assisting fishermen, sporting equipment businesses, and beekeepers among others.
