Pyrotechnics, Noise, Gunfire, Vulture Effigies Possible in Roost Purge

Approximately 60 vultures roosting in Fredericksburg are going to get a rude awakening next week as USDA Wildlife Services agents go to great lengths to chase them off.

The roost is located between the Apartments at Cobblestone and the Blue and Gray Parkway and have caused significant damage to buildings located near the roost, according to Fredericksburg Police spokesperson Sarah Kirkpatrick.

Beginning Monday, Wildlife agents will be targeting the roost with harassing noise and other intimidation methods. They’ll be carrying rifles and shooting pyrotechnics in the area, according to Kirkpatrick.

Because vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, communities have to be very careful how they remove vulture roosts.

Agents will start the removal process with noise harassment and set off pyrotechnics at dusk to deter the vultures from returning to the roost.

“If noise harassment does not work, Wildlife agents may have to shoot a limited number of vultures and hang their effigies around the roost,” Kirkpatrick said. “This method will make the vultures feel threatened and discourage them from returning to the roost.”

Citizens with questions can contact Sergeant Kuebler at 540-373-3122, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photos: USDA.gov