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Livestock producers who are Indiana Farm Bureau members can now get permits through INFB that allow legal takes of black vultures in the state.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded INFB a statewide depredation permit for black vultures. INFB has the authority to issue up to 100 total sub-permits as a benefit to Farm Bureau members who are experiencing problems with black vultures.

“This expedites the permit process free of charge,” said Greg Slipher, INFB livestock development specialist. Slipher added that Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri Farm Bureaus have similar programs.

In recent years, populations of black vultures have been on the increase in Indiana, particularly in the southern portion of the state. These birds often prey on young livestock, causing injury and sometimes death.

As migratory birds, black vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, state laws and regulations, and they therefore can’t be killed or destroyed without a migratory bird depredation permit.

Learn more by visiting infb.org/blackvultures. To request a sub-permit application or for more information, contact Greg Slipher at gslipher@infb.org or 317-692-7886.