Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are large scavenging birds found in many parts of the southern United States. They have been known to target newborn livestock, which has raised concerns among cattle ranchers about whether black vultures attack and eat calves while they are still alive.
Evidence of black vultures attacking live calves
There are some reported cases of black vultures attacking and feeding on live calves. Here are a few examples:
- In 2019, a rancher in Madison County, Florida reported witnessing a group of 30 black vultures attack a calf that was only an hour old. The calf later died from its injuries.
- The Cattlemen’s Association of Florida has received reports from ranchers of black vultures pecking the eyes, ears, nostrils, and rectum of newborn calves. This can lead to blindness and infection.
- A 2006 study reviewed 9 years of data from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in central Texas. They found evidence of black vulture damage on 5 different neonatal calves that were attacked postmortem as well as ante-mortem.
So while rare, there is some documentation of black vultures directly attacking and feeding on live calves. However, this is likely opportunistic and involves vulnerable newborns that cannot yet walk steadily or keep up with the herd.
Black vultures primarily scavengers but will attack vulnerable animals
It’s important to note that black vultures are still primarily scavengers, meaning they prefer to eat animals that are already dead. A few key facts about their feeding habits:
- Black vultures have a highly developed sense of smell to help them locate carcasses.
- They rarely attack healthy adult cattle that can defend themselves.
- They focus on younger, sick, or injured animals that have become separated from the herd.
- Mother cows are very defensive and will actively protect newborn calves from potential predators.
So while black vultures are attracted to easier prey like newborns, they are unlikely to directly attack healthy, full-grown cattle. However, their scavenging activities can still present issues for ranchers raising livestock.
Concerns for ranchers raising cattle
Though rare, black vultures attacking vulnerable calves is understandably concerning for cattle ranchers. Here are some of the issues it raises:
- Injuries or blindness caused by vulture attacks can make calves weaker and less likely to survive and thrive.
- Constant vigilance is required by mother cows to ward off vultures, which expends significant energy.
- Calves may be unintentionally separated from the herd during vulture attacks, making them even more vulnerable if the mother cannot locate them.
- Calves consumed by vultures represent direct economic losses for ranchers unable to recoup value from those animals.
To help ward off potential vulture attacks, ranchers commonly employ scare tactics like propane cannons, effigies, and reflective items. Quickly locating newborn calves also reduces opportunities for vultures.
Statistics on frequency of black vulture attacks on cattle
There are no comprehensive statistics available on exactly how often black vultures directly attack and consume live calves. Some points to consider:
- Attacks appear relatively uncommon based on the limited documentation in published reports.
- Most cattle ranchers will not observe or document instances of vulture predation.
- Calves consumed entirely by vultures may leave no evidence behind.
- Other scavengers like coyotes often obscure or eliminate signs of vulture activity.
So available data likely underestimates the actual frequency of interactions between black vultures and vulnerable calves. More research is needed to quantify the scope of this issue across the range of black vultures in the southern and southeastern United States.
Preventing conflicts with black vultures
To help minimize problems, cattle ranchers can take the following steps:
- Actively monitor cows preparing to give birth and keep newborn calves close to herd.
- Use scare tactics and decoys to discourage vultures from lands where cattle range.
- Quickly remove and dispose of any livestock carcasses before vultures find them.
- Avoid leaving afterbirth from cows in pastures – this can attract vultures.
- Contact wildlife authorities promptly if observing injured/blinded calves.
Since black vultures are a federally protected migratory species, actively killing them is illegal without a permit. Ranchers should focus on deterrence and herd management to prevent issues.
Conclusion
In summary, there is evidence that black vultures will occasionally prey on vulnerable newborn calves, though such attacks appear relatively uncommon. These scavenging birds are primarily a threat to weaker or separated animals versus healthy adult cattle. Ranchers should monitor calving cows closely and use deterrents to discourage vulture activity near livestock. With proper herd management, conflicts can often be avoided between cattle and black vultures.
