(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Farm Bureau recently secured statewide black vulture depredation permits through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service now through December 31st. Black vultures, identified by their dark grey heads and found mostly in the southern third of Illinois, are very aggressive and known to prey on young livestock and birthing mothers, causing significant injuries and even death. Turkey vultures, on the other hand, identified by their red heads, while being much larger birds, are not as aggressive and not considered a threat to livestock. The IFB will issue sub-permits to livestock farmers who are experiencing problems with black vultures, plus help in securing a required permit from the Illinois DNR. The sub-permit is available to livestock farmers facing depredation of commercial livestock, which includes cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine. Go to the ilfb.org website for more or email tbunting@ilfb.org.
