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In this episode of “Living The Wildlife,” host and wildlife control consultant Stephen Vantassel discusses vultures, a topic that may seem niche but could become a concern for those with vulture-related issues. Vantassel believes their numbers are increasing, and their range is expanding, making them more of a concern for some. Vantassel emphasizes the importance of learning about topics outside of one’s discipline. He also notes that vultures are federally protected birds, which can be an impediment for those who want to control vulture damage. Vantassel provides an overview of the migratory bird treaty act, an international treaty that protects birds that cross international boundaries, including all native birds to the United States. He also mentions that states and municipalities may have additional regulations, and obtaining federal and state permits is necessary for those seeking a depredation permit.
When vultures are roosting on structures, it is not recommended to use tall, thin spikes that are spaced out because the birds will bend them down and continue to roost on them. It’s important to understand that these birds are powerful and can scratch and gouge surfaces, and may even peel off rubber from roofs. Also, the birds tend to congregate, and their excrement can cause an ammonia smell and a sense of doom, which can be emotionally challenging for clients dealing with the problem. Therefore, it’s important for those in the field to be emotionally sensitive and offer support to clients.
Habitat modification is important in controlling the problem. While eliminating food sources won’t solve the problem, it can help because the birds won’t hang around as long. Proper waste and garbage management is necessary, especially in agricultural areas where ranchers and livestock handlers should make sure to calve undercover, as this could attract the birds.
Regarding situations where the birds are roosting in trees, tree thinning may help to move them along, but it may not be sufficient to drive them away. The tree thinning process must be done correctly to give the tree the best chance to survive, and it may be wise to hire an arborist for the job. In situations where the birds are roosting on structures, tall, thin spikes should not be used as the birds will bend them down and continue to roost on them.
Stephen Van Tassel also talks about how to manage vultures as a part of wildlife damage management. He begins by explaining that vultures can cause damage by roosting and nesting in unwanted areas, such as roofs, attics, and gutters, leading to health hazards, noise pollution, and property damage. He suggests several non-lethal methods for managing vultures, such as using decoys, effigies, and netting. Stephen emphasizes the importance of securing effigies and decoys as they can wear out over time.
He then discusses the use of artificial effigies made of plastic or fake feathers and mentions that they can be effective in managing vultures. However, he notes that they are difficult to locate, and the ones available seem to be out of stock. Stephen shows a few examples of vulture effigies available on Amazon and Walmart, but they are either dolls or out of stock and suggests that this could be an opportunity for someone to start a business if they can find a source for artificial vultures. He also mentions that pyrotechnics can be used in some areas, but it’s not always a viable option. Lastly, Stephen recommends a publication by Avery and Lowney in 2016 as a primary source for managing vultures.
This video provides some valuable insights on managing vultures as a part of wildlife damage management. He emphasizes the importance of non-lethal methods and highlights the use of artificial effigies as a useful tool.
#LivingTheWildlife #VultureControl #WildlifeDamageManagement #NonLethalMethods #HabitatModification #Effigies #Decoys #Pyrotechnics #AveryAndLowney #MigratoryBirdTreatyAct #FederalProtection #SupportingClients #TreeThinning #GarbageManagement #AnimalControl
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE
Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC
Blog: https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/
Papers: https://kingsdivinity.academia.edu/StephenMVantassel
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxP_IBhnqcgvX_aRM4f91nQ
Podcasts: https://pestgeekpodcast.com/stephen-vantassel/
Phone: 406-272-5323 Mtn Time
Helping people resolve conflicts with wildlife through teaching, training, writing, and research
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