HR2462-119

What This Bill Does

The Black Vulture Relief Act creates a targeted exception to Migratory Bird Treaty Act permitting for livestock protection. A livestock producer, or an employee actively engaged in livestock production, may capture, kill, disperse, or transport the carcass of a black vulture if the bird is causing, or the producer reasonably believes it will cause, death, injury, or destruction to livestock. The bill does not allow poison. Covered producers must submit annual reports to the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regional office by January 31 for black vultures taken during the prior 12 months, but reporting does not begin until the Director creates a form. The Director must make that form available on the Fish and Wildlife Service website within 180 days, and the form cannot be more onerous than similar Migratory Bird Treaty Act permitted-take forms.

Who Benefits and How

Livestock producers benefit because cattle ranchers, sheep farmers, goat producers, and other livestock operations can act immediately when black vultures threaten calves, lambs, or other animals instead of waiting for a Federal permit. Livestock producer employees benefit because the same authority applies while they are actively engaged in livestock production. Rural agricultural communities benefit indirectly if producers can reduce animal losses and veterinary costs from black vulture attacks. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also receives standardized annual take reports rather than ad hoc producer activity.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Black vulture populations face increased mortality and dispersal risk because more producers can legally take birds without individual permits. Wildlife conservation organizations lose some of the protective effect of the current permit process and may need to monitor take levels through annual reports. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must create the reporting form within 180 days, host it publicly, receive annual reports from covered producers, and route reports through regional offices. Livestock producers still carry a light reporting duty and may not use poison.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes livestock producers and active livestock-production employees to take black vultures threatening livestock without a Migratory Bird Treaty Act permit.
• Prohibits covered persons from using poison to take black vultures.
• Requires annual reports to the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regional office by January 31 for black vultures taken during the prior year.
• Requires the Fish and Wildlife Service Director to create a reporting form within 180 days and keep it no more onerous than comparable permitted-take forms.