USACE Efforts to Discourage Vulture Activity at Boat Ramps

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mountain Home Project Office is continuing efforts to discourage black vultures from gathering at area boat ramps.

According to a release, recently, the Mountain Home Project Office received numerous reports from fishermen and boaters about vehicle damages incurred because of the birds. The birds typically damage parked vehicles by pecking and stripping windshield wiper blades, door insulation and soft exterior materials. This is said to be a seasonal problem with migratory birds and can be difficult to control as black vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Rangers are conducting various non-lethal harassment techniques including pyrotechnics and rubber vulture effigies, which are used to scare the vultures from the area. The Mountain Home Project Office is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Inspection Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop additional methods to discourage the birds from using the area, including possible trapping and lethal techniques.

Fishermen can do their part to help remedy the situation by keeping boat ramps and parking areas free of fish carcasses.

For more information, contact the Mountain Home Project Office at 870-425-2700.

(Release from U.S. Army Corps and KTLO)