The black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a native North American scavenger that provides essential ecosystem services by consuming carrion. Claims of black vulture predation on living livestock have led to persecution, despite evidence that such attacks are rare and often exaggerated.
Black vultures shot, trapped, or poisoned in retaliation for alleged livestock predation experience significant suffering. Poisoned birds — sometimes killed using pesticides sprayed on carcasses — may die slowly over hours. Shooting causes traumatic injury. Non-target species including critically endangered California condors and other raptors are killed by poison intended for vultures. Vultures that survive poisoning attempts experience sublethal neurological and organ damage. Conservation welfare requires deterrence strategies — frightening devices, exclusion during vulnerable calving periods, and rapid removal of sick animals — rather than lethal control of a protected native species.