S. 1823: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025, aims to provide livestock producers and their employees with the authority to manage black vultures, specifically in scenarios where these birds threaten their livestock. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions:

Definitions

• Black Vulture: Refers to the bird species known scientifically as Coragyps atratus.
• Covered Person: Defines individuals eligible under the bill, specifically livestock producers and their employees actively engaged in livestock production.
• Livestock: The bill adheres to a definition set in existing legislation regarding livestock.
• Take: Describes actions such as capturing, killing, or dispersing black vultures, as well as transporting their carcasses.

Authorization to Manage Black Vultures

The bill allows covered persons to:

• Take or attempt to take a black vulture that is currently threatening or is believed to threaten livestock.
• In the process of taking such a vulture, they may cause injury to the vulture.

However, the bill prohibits the use of poison as a method of taking black vultures.

Reporting Requirements

Each year, by January 31, any covered person who has taken a black vulture must submit a report to the appropriate office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the previous twelve months. They are only required to submit a report after the reporting form has been developed and made available by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Development of Reporting Forms

The Director is tasked with creating a reporting form for this purpose within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This form should not be more complex than similar forms related to permitted actions under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Overall Intent

The overarching goal of this legislation is to assist livestock producers in protecting their herds from potential harm caused by black vultures while establishing clear guidelines and a reporting structure for such actions.

Relevant Companies

None found