New Act Allows Farmers to Kill Black Vultures Threatening Livestock, Bypassing Federal Protections

The Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 is straightforward: it gives livestock producers and their employees the green light to take action against black vultures if they reasonably believe the birds are about to harm their animals or property. "Take" is the key word here, meaning they can capture, disperse, or even kill the vultures. This is a big deal because it effectively carves out an exception to the federal protection these birds usually receive under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).

The New Rulebook for Farmers and Vultures

For a farmer, this bill changes the game when dealing with a perceived threat. Say a black vulture is circling a newborn calf or lamb—under this Act, the producer or an employee can intervene immediately without needing a federal permit, which is the current requirement. The bill explicitly states this authority is granted if the producer “reasonably believe[s]” the vulture is "hurting or is about to hurt your livestock, or destroy your property related to livestock." That phrase, "reasonably believe," is pretty broad and subjective, which could lead to some gray areas in real-world application. However, there is one non-negotiable rule: you absolutely cannot use poison to take a vulture. That's a hard line drawn in the sand, likely to protect other wildlife and the environment from toxic fallout.

Paperwork and the Honor System

While the bill grants immediate authority, it also sets up a reporting system. If a producer takes a black vulture during a 12-month period, they have to report it to the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) office by January 31st of the following year. But here’s the catch that affects oversight: the reporting requirement doesn't kick in until the FWS Director creates and posts the official reporting form. The FWS has 180 days to get this form online, and it can’t be any more difficult than the forms currently required under the MBTA. This means that if the FWS is slow to publish the form, there could be a period where vultures are being taken without any federal record or oversight.

Who Benefits and Who Pays the Price?

This legislation is clearly a win for the agricultural industry, specifically livestock producers who face real economic losses when black vultures prey on young or vulnerable animals. It provides a quick, decisive tool for managing these conflicts without the delay of federal bureaucracy. On the flip side, the obvious impact is on the black vulture population itself, as they lose their federal protection in these specific conflict zones. Furthermore, the FWS gains an administrative headache, as they now have a tight six-month deadline to create a new, distinct reporting system for this specific exception. For the rest of us, this bill is a reminder of the constant tension between wildlife conservation and the economic needs of the agriculture sector, where federal law is being adjusted to manage very local, immediate conflicts.