Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025: Critical Support for Livestock Owners
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) has introduced the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025, a significant move to support America’s agricultural producers. The bill is designed to ease the growing burden of black vulture predation on livestock. Co-sponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and John Cornyn (R-TX), the legislation aims to give ranchers and farmers the tools they need to protect their herds from these increasingly aggressive predators.
Predators, Not Scavengers
Unlike other vultures known primarily for cleaning up carcasses, Black Vultures pose a serious threat to living animals. These birds are aggressive, coordinated hunters that often strike in large groups. Their primary targets include newborn calves, lambs, goat kids, and piglets, with attacks frequently occurring during or immediately after birth—when mother animals are especially vulnerable.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services has reported a nearly 25% increase in black vulture attacks on cattle between 2020 and 2025. In fact, Black Vultures were the third leading cause of calf deaths due to predation in 2015, responsible for 24,600 deaths—roughly 10% of total predator-related calf losses.
“These birds are extremely vicious predators, and their attacks on cattle are devastating, both emotionally and financially,” said Charlie Beshar, Chair of the NCBA Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee. He emphasized that each calf lost to a black vulture attack represents an average financial hit of $2,000 per animal.
Beshar and other ranchers acknowledge the ecological role Black Vultures play but argue that federal regulations no longer reflect current population realities. Once a species of concern, Black Vultures have rebounded by more than 468% since 1990, with a current population estimate of over 190 million birds, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey.
What the Legislation Proposes
The Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 proposes a streamlined approach to livestock protection:
- No Depredation Permits Required: Livestock producers would be allowed to take Black Vultures threatening their animals without having to first obtain a depredation permit.
- Annual Reporting Requirement: Ranchers would submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicating the number of birds taken.
- No Poison Allowed: The use of poison as a control method remains strictly prohibited.
This legislative effort seeks to offer practical relief while maintaining population oversight, giving producers more flexibility without compromising environmental stewardship.
Strong Agricultural Support
The bill has received endorsements from several key agricultural organizations, including:
- National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)
- American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)
- U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA)
- Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association (TSGRA)
- Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA)
These groups agree: the time has come for modernized, science-based wildlife management that empowers producers to safeguard their operations.
Lawmakers Speak Out
Senator Markwayne Mullin, himself a rancher, spoke from experience:
“Oklahoma ranchers deserve the right to protect their livestock from threatening predators. Attacks from Black Vultures are all too common, and our ranchers are suffering the consequences. Removing the requirement for a depredation permit will allow Oklahomans the ability to do what is necessary to protect their livestock and reduce economic hardship.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville added:
“America’s cattlemen work hard to feed our communities and shouldn’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops just to protect their herds. Adjusting these sub-permit requirements that are based on outdated data is just one more commonsense way we can support our cattlemen and help them keep more of their hard-earned dollars.”
Senator Eric Schmitt echoed concerns from Missouri:
“Black Vultures are a deadly species that have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to ranchers and producers across Missouri... We must keep this dangerous bird population under control and allow ranchers and producers across our great state the ability to do what they do best—provide the best beef and ag products in the world.”
Justin Tupper, President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, added critical context:
“It’s been estimated that Black Vultures are accountable for nearly 2.1 million cattle losses each year... These federally protected birds tend to concentrate their attacks on newborn and defenseless calves. We’d like to thank Senators Mullin and Tuberville for their leadership...”
Protecting Livestock and Livelihoods
The Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 addresses a real and escalating issue facing the livestock industry. By cutting regulatory red tape while maintaining ethical and ecological oversight, the legislation offers a sensible path forward for livestock protection.
At AGPROfessionals Real Estate, we understand the real-world challenges faced by producers. From land acquisition to livestock management, we advocate for policies that protect your investment and support your success.
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