Poop From Vultures Is Destroying a Radio Tower and Disrupting Communications on the US-Mexico Border

About 300 vultures have taken over a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) radio tower in Texas. They’ve decided to make themselves at home by defecating, urinating, and regurgitating all over the tower.

Photo Credit: US Customs and Border Protection

In their defense, the vultures were there first.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act has been law since 1918 and made vultures a protected species. The law stipulates that anyone guilty of killing a vulture could go to jail for up to a year and receive fines of up to $200,000.

Photo Credit: Pexels

A request for information document mentions some pretty gross details about the vultures’ radio tower takeover. For one, they’ve basically covered the structure in feces that emits a putrid smell.

According to a CBP spokesperson, the vultures are even scaring agents and others who work in the area.

“They will often defecate and vomit from their roost onto buildings below that house employees and equipment.

There are anecdotes about birds dropping prey from a height of 300 feet, creating a terrifying and dangerous situation for those concerned.”

The CBP is considering solutions for its problem, including the use of fireworks, fake carcasses, and netting. They are consulting with experts who can help them find a humane way to get rid of the vultures, such as the Texas State Historical Preservation Officer.