Turkey vultures

Homeowner, rental or HOA

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Promptly remove items, such as exposed garbage or dead wildlife, that may attract vultures to your property.
• Prevent vultures from roosting around or on your house by eliminating large horizontal tree branches or installing spike strips on branches, roof peaks and other likely areas.

Around home

• Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Keep outdoor compost covered and avoid adding meat or other odorous materials.
• Remove abandoned structures or other elevated perches that may encourage vultures roosting.
• Keep grills clean of meat scraps and grease.

Pets and livestock

• Turkey vultures are scavengers and do not prey on healthy pets or livestock.However, they may be drawn to afterbirth or deceased animals. Promptly remove and properly dispose of any carcasses.
• Black vultures are scavengers and predators, particularly on newborn livestock. Ensure newborn animals are kept inside buildings or closely monitored if outdoors.
• A livestock protection dog may also be useful to deter black vultures from livestock birthing areas.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Removing attractants, especially dead animals, is the most effective way to reduce conflicts with vultures.
• Black vultures have an affinity for pecking rubber materials. If this becomes an issue, attempt to eliminate vulture access to the rubber, such as moving your vehicle inside a structure or boarding a window casing. Eliminating access for two weeks should stop the issue.
• An effigy of a dead vulture can be the best strategy to deter vultures. If vultures become a serious concern, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for more information on implementing an effigy.
• Noise devices, visual scare tools like reflective tape and predator-eye balloons, or motion-activated sprinklers may be effective in discouraging vultures from roosting.
• Consistent hazing may be needed until birds select a new roost.
• Install perch deterrents, such as bird spikes or angled ledge covers, on frequently used structures.
• If you find an injured vulture or fledgling that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of vultures other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• Turkey vultures and Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Lethal removal is not allowed unless authorized under a valid federal depredation permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• If vulture damage or a sanitation issue is significant, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for guidance on permit requirements.

Local government

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Encourage staff and residents to promptly remove items, such as exposed garbage or dead wildlife, that may attract vultures.
• Prevent vultures from roosting around or on buildings by eliminating large horizontal tree branches or installing spike strips on branches, roof peaks and other likely areas.

Your community

• Educate residents about securing garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. And keeping outdoor compost covered and void of meat or other odorous materials.
• Encourage residents to remove abandoned structures or other elevated perches that may encourage vultures roosting. Install perch deterrents, like spike strips, if removal is not possible.
• Implement ordinances and enforcement that prohibit feeding vultures and other wildlife that may cause problems.

Public spaces

• Ensure garbage cans and dumpsters have secure lids and are emptied regularly.
• Dispose of roadkill animals properly in landfills and similar public facilities.
• Inspect community buildings, park shelters, and other elevated structures for areas where vultures may roost. Trim horizontal branches or install spike stripes to prevent roosting.
• Ensure grills in parks and other public spaces are kept clean.
• Clean up vulture droppings regularly to maintain sanitation.

Pets and livestock

• Turkey vultures are scavengers and do not prey on healthy pets or livestock.However, they may be drawn to afterbirth or deceased animals. Promptly remove and properly dispose of any carcasses.
• Black vultures are scavengers and occasionally predators, particularly on newborn livestock. Ensure newborn animals are kept inside buildings or closely monitored if outdoors.
• A livestock protection dog may also be useful to deter black vultures from livestock birthing areas.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Removing attractants, especially dead animals, is the most effective way to reduce conflicts with vultures.
• Black vultures have an affinity for pecking rubber materials. If this becomes an issue, attempt to eliminate vulture access to the rubber, such as moving your vehicle inside a structure or boarding a window casing. Eliminating access for two weeks should stop the issue.
• An effigy of a dead vulture can be the best strategy to deter vultures. If vultures become a serious concern, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for more information on implementing an effigy.
• Noise devices, visual scare tools like reflective tape and predator-eye balloons, or motion-activated sprinklers may be effective in discouraging vultures from roosting.
• Consistent hazing may be needed until birds select a new roost.
• Install perch deterrents, such as bird spikes or angled ledge covers, on frequently used structures.
• Educational signage in parks and other public spaces may reduce intentional or unintentional attractants.
• If someone finds an injured vulture or fledgling that they believe it’s mother is dead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of vultures other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• Turkey vultures and Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Lethal removal is not allowed unless authorized under a valid federal depredation permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• If vulture damage or a sanitation issue is significant, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for guidance on permit requirements.

Business or school

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Encourage staff and residents to promptly remove items, such as exposed garbage or dead wildlife, that may attract vultures.
• Prevent vultures from roosting around or on buildings by eliminating large horizontal tree branches or installing spike strips on branches, roof peaks and other likely areas.

Grounds

• Educate staff and students about securing garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. And keeping outdoor compost covered and void of meat or other odorous materials.
• Encourage grounds staff to remove abandoned structures, large horizontal tree branches, or other elevated perches that may present perches for vultures to roost. Install perch deterrents, like spike strips, if removal is not possible.
• Dispose of roadkill animals properly in landfills and similar public facilities.
• Ensure outdoor grills are kept clean.
• Ensure vulture droppings are regularly removed to maintain sanitation.

Pets and livestock

• Turkey vultures are scavengers and do not prey on healthy pets or livestock.However, they may be drawn to afterbirth or deceased animals. Promptly remove and properly dispose of any carcasses.
• Black vultures are scavengers and occasionally predators, particularly on newborn livestock. Ensure newborn animals are kept inside buildings or closely monitored if outdoors.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Removing attractants, especially dead animals, is the most effective way to reduce conflicts with vultures.
• Black vultures have an affinity for pecking rubber materials. If this becomes an issue, attempt to eliminate vulture access to the rubber, such as moving your vehicle inside a structure or boarding a window casing. Eliminating access for two weeks should stop the issue.
• An effigy of a dead vulture can be the best strategy to deter vultures. If vultures become a serious concern, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for more information on implementing an effigy.
• Noise devices, visual scare tools like reflective tape and predator-eye balloons, or motion-activated sprinklers may be effective in discouraging vultures from roosting.
• Consistent hazing may be needed until birds select a new roost.
• Install perch deterrents, such as bird spikes or angled ledge covers, on frequently used structures.
• Educational signage in parks, courtyards and other spaces may reduce intentional or unintentional attractants.
• If someone finds an injured vulture or fledgling that they believe it’s mother is dead, they can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of vultures other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• Turkey vultures and Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Lethal removal is not allowed unless authorized under a valid federal depredation permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• If vulture damage or a sanitation issue is significant, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for guidance on permit requirements.

Agriculture

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Promptly and properly dispose of dead livestock or other animals that may attract vultures to your property.
• Prevent vultures from roosting around or on your property by eliminating large horizontal tree branches or installing spike strips on branches, roof peaks and other likely areas.

Your farm or orchard

• Monitor areas where livestock carcasses may be present, particularly birthing sites, and remove afterbirth or deceased animals quickly.
• Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Keep outdoor compost covered and avoid adding meat or other odorous materials.
• Remove abandoned structures, dead trees, or other elevated perches that may encourage vultures roosting.
• Maintain feed storage to prevent attracting rodents or other animals that may later attract scavengers.

Pets and livestock

• Turkey vultures are scavengers and do not prey on healthy pets or livestock.However, they may be drawn to afterbirth or deceased animals. Promptly remove and properly dispose of any carcasses.
• Black vultures are scavengers and occasionally predators, particularly on newborn livestock. Ensure newborn animals are kept inside buildings or closely monitored if outdoors.
• A livestock protection dog may also be useful to deter black vultures from livestock birthing areas.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Removing attractants, especially dead animals and afterbirth, is the most effective way to reduce conflicts with vultures.
• Install perch deterrents, such as bird spikes or angled ledge covers, on frequently used structures.
• An effigy of a dead vulture can be the best strategy to deter vultures. If vultures become a serious concern, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for more information on implementing an effigy.
• Noise devices, visual scare tools like reflective tape and predator-eye balloons, or motion-activated sprinklers may be effective in discouraging vultures from roosting.
• Consistent hazing may be needed until birds select a new roost.
• Black vultures have an affinity for pecking rubber materials. If this becomes an issue, attempt to eliminate vulture access to the rubber, such as moving your equipment inside a structure or boarding a window casing. Eliminating access for two weeks should stop the issue.
• If you find an injured vulture or fledgling that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of vultures other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• Turkey vultures and Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Lethal removal is not allowed unless authorized under a valid federal depredation permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• If vulture damage or a sanitation issue is significant, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for guidance on permit requirements.

Airport

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Promptly and properly dispose of dead animals that may attract vultures to airport property.
• Prevent vultures from roosting around or on airport structures by eliminating large horizontal tree branches and installing spike strips on communication equipment, roof peaks and other likely areas.

Around buildings

• Ensure garbage is secured in containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Remove abandoned structures, large horizontal tree branches, or other elevated perches that may present perches for vultures to roost. Install perch deterrents, like spike strips, if removal is not possible.
• Ensure outdoor grills are kept clean.
• Ensure vulture droppings are regularly removed to maintain sanitation.

Airfields

• Maintain mowed vegetation and reduce perching and loafing sites near flight paths.
• Monitor areas near runways for wildlife carcasses and remove them immediately.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Removing attractants, especially dead animals, is the most effective way to reduce conflicts with vultures.
• An effigy of a dead vulture can be the best strategy to deter vultures. If vultures become a serious concern, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for more information on implementing an effigy.
• Noise devices, visual scare tools like reflective tape and predator-eye balloons, or motion-activated sprinklers may be effective in discouraging vultures from roosting.
• Consistent hazing may be needed until birds select a new roost.
• Install perch deterrents, such as bird spikes or angled ledge covers, on frequently used structures.
• Black vultures have an affinity for pecking rubber materials. If this becomes an issue, attempt to eliminate vulture access to the rubber, such as moving your vehicle inside a structure or boarding a window casing. Eliminating access for two weeks should stop the issue.
• If you find an injured vulture or fledgling that you believe it’s mother is dead, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before removing it from the wild. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife.
• Michigan DNR does not authorize or conduct live capture and release of vultures other than for permitted research.

Lethal methods

• Turkey vultures and Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Lethal removal is not allowed unless authorized under a valid federal depredation permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• If vulture damage or a sanitation issue is significant, contact USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for guidance on permit requirements.