Vultures are ripping apart roofs and chewing cars but federal law prohibits stopping them!
BARTOW, Florida - March 5, 2008 - Residents in a Polk County community are demanding help in getting rid of vultures that are ripping shingles off rooftops and chewing rubber linings of car doors and windows.
City officials said little can be done about the hundreds of black and turkey vultures because they are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
City Attorney Sean Parker said vultures have additional protection under a bird-sanctuary ordinance adopted by Bartow in the 1950s.
Officials said scaring off the vultures could be considered a violation and could result in fees of up to $500 a day.
The city plans to amend the rules, but the details have yet to be worked out.
According to city officials, hanging likenesses of dead vultures or using noise are options.
