The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, in partnership with the USDA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, increased the number of black vultures authorized to a maximum of 10 vultures, previously a maximum of five vultures per sub-permit.

The sub-permits remain free of charge and allow Oklahoma residents to dispose of black vultures attacking their livestock.

“The increased number of permits supports livestock producers with black vulture management,” said staff biologist Karen Duncan. “Black vulture attacks on livestock pose a significant challenge for Oklahoma producers. These permits aim to alleviate the burden on livestock producers.”

The statewide depredation permit allows livestock producers an opportunity to apply for a livestock protection depredation sub-permit — allowing 10 legal “takes” of black vultures at no charge to the livestock owner. Black vulture take may not occur under any other depredation permit for a producer acting under a sub-permit. Producers wishing to implement other methods or take more than 10 black vultures must obtain their own depredation permit.

For anyone experiencing extensive depredation issues (requiring more than 10 takes) or having large black vulture roosts on their property, contact the wildlife division at blackvultures@ag.ok. gov.