By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

The Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 advanced through the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee earlier this month, bringing farmers and ranchers one step closer to stronger protections for their livestock.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. John Rose (R-TN) and Darren Soto (D-FL), responds to growing concerns about black vulture attacks on newborn livestock across the United States.

If passed, the measure would allow ranchers to take—capture, kill, disperse or transport—black vultures that pose a direct threat to their livestock without first obtaining a federal permit, provided they report their actions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

Black vultures are currently protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to take nearly 1,100 species of migratory birds, including black vultures, without a permit.

The permitting process is often slow and cumbersome, often delaying response to predation events.

The proposed bill would streamline this process by having farmers and ranchers submit an annual report to FWS detailing the number of vultures taken and removes the cap on how many can be taken annually. This would also ensure FWS can continue monitoring black vulture populations and prohibit the use of poison as a method of take.

“Texas ranchers have faced extreme weather, rising input costs and growing pressure from predators like black vultures,” Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “These birds pose a real threat to newborn calves and other livestock. This bill is a much-needed step toward giving ranchers the timely tools they need to protect their livestock.”

Black vulture populations have grown significantly in recent years. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey, the black vulture population has increased by about 468% to more than 190 million birds since 1990.

That increased population is leading to greater livestock predation losses.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, black vulture attacks on cattle increased by almost 25% from 2020 to 2025.

The bill is supported by Texas Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife & Conservation, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Wyoming Stock Growers, 19 state cattlemen’s associations and seven other state Farm Bureaus.

Read the full text of the bill here.