Illinois Farm Bureau Gains Permits to Combat Black Vulture Threat to Livestock

In response to a growing threat from black vultures preying on young livestock, the Illinois Farm Bureau has successfully obtained depredation permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, valid through March 31, 2025. The permits aim to alleviate the economic burden faced by farmers due to increased attacks on livestock by these protected birds, particularly in southern Illinois. The Bureau’s initiative reflects an urgent need to protect agricultural interests while complying with wildlife conservation laws. Farmers seeking to utilize these permits must undergo a consultation process with USDA Wildlife Services, marking a significant step towards mitigating the losses attributed to black vulture predation, which has escalated to a significant concern for the farming community.