Threats to Vultures

Persecution from Humans

Because of myths and misunderstandings about these important birds, some people actively try to shoot, trap, and poison them.

Livestock Farming

Livestock Medications Deadly to Vultures

Certain medications given to livestock have turned out to be deadly to vultures, who's numbers have crashed in the areas where these drugs are commonly used. The birds do not attack livestock, but eat their contaminated flesh after the animals have died from disease, injury, attacks from other animals, or other (often) natural causes.

Habitat Loss

Power Lines

Vultures can collide with power lines or bridge the gap between wires, electrocuting themselves by accident.