Over the last several years, Bellefontaine has become a layover for vultures making their annual migration and returning to Ohio in the spring.
While these large birds do play an important part in the ecosystem, and their return has been celebrated by some communities such as Hinkley, Ohio, they can create nuisances when they take up residence in developed areas.
Several residents of Bellefontaine are victims of those nuisance conditions, including property damage from the birds roosting on houses, vehicles, or other structures, and the unsanitary conditions and noxious odors created by the accumulation of feces and vomit the vultures produce.
Although these creatures do play a valuable role in the environment, the property rights of residents must be taken into consideration when nature clashes with development.
After speaking with officials from the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, the city plans to utilize propane cannons to disturb the birds, which should encourage them to move on to a more appropriate area. City residents, especially those on the east side, should not be alarmed to hear a series of loud booms throughout the area beginning on Friday, March 24, and continuing for one week.
Residents who are experiencing nuisance vultures on their property are also encouraged to utilize non-lethal control techniques, including:
- Create noise (propane cannons, sirens, air horns, electronic alarms, clapping boards together)
- Visual Harassment (shine a low-powered red or green laser at the vultures, 30 minutes before or after sunset at their roosting location)
- Physical harassment- spraying vulture with water from a garden hose
City Officials will continue to coordinate with ODNR, USDA, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the vultures and the problems they are creating in residential neighborhoods.
Residents are reminded that the vultures are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and discharging any weapon within city limits is illegal. Specific questions regarding methods of control should be addressed to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Submitted by Service Safety Director Wes Dodds
