Eerie Missouri

Let’s be honest: Vultures tend to get a bad rap. While they are often viewed as harbingers of death, in reality, they play a critical role in our ecosystem, and even help prevent the spread of deadly diseases. We spoke with Kendahl Chergosky, nature center manager at the World Bird Sanctuary, to learn more about these misunderstood birds.

What kind of vultures live in Missouri?
We have two native species of vulture found in Missouri: Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures. These birds can be easily told apart from other large birds in the sky by the shape their wings make when they fly; it’s called a “dihedral,” and it looks like a very easy-to-remember “V,” for Vulture!

Why is it important to educate the public about vultures?
Worldwide, there are over 20 different species of vultures. Of those, over half are considered endangered. In places where these animals’ numbers have plummeted, there have been some very profound human consequences, such as rises in illnesses like rabies and distemper. The cause for this rapid decline (in some places, over 90% of the total vulture population lost in just 20 years!) is usually, unfortunately, because of human activities. However, if we’re educated about the importance of these animals, we can also take steps to preserve them.

Is there a negative stigma regarding vultures? Where does that come from?
Vultures are animals often culturally associated with death and dying. If you think of any old cartoon where the main character is in the desert, there will almost always be a shot of vultures circling overhead, waiting for the protagonist to keel over. While that’s not how these things usually work in real life, the main food that these animals will eat out in nature is what’s called “carrion”— a fancy way of saying “roadkill,” or things which are already dead. Though it might seem kind of grim, “scavenging,” or eating all of these leftovers, is a very important job an animal can have out in nature! 

Why are vultures important?
Scavengers, especially vultures, are uniquely equipped to keep us safe from diseases that may be present in our ecosystems. It shouldn’t come as a shock that things like roadkill can be filled with bacteria, sometimes serious pathogens that can make us very sick. When vultures are present in nature, they do the most efficient job of any animal when it comes to getting rid of disease. Their stomachs are incredibly acidic, which means they destroy things that might make other animals sick. When vultures eat carrion, these pathogens are taken out of the environment completely. Compare that to when something like a feral dog or a rat scavenges – in many cases, they can actually spread illness, rather than get rid of it. 

What can we do to protect vultures?
Despite the fact that these birds play a crucial role in our ecosystems, they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Especially here in Missouri, vultures face a lot of stigma. One of the main causes of decline for vultures around the globe is unintentional poisoning, from certain anti-inflammatory drugs used in livestock.

Visiting the World Bird Sanctuary
Learn more about vultures by visiting World Bird Sanctuary, a raptor hospital that rehabilitates injured birds of prey and works to protect birds of prey and their habitats through conservation, rehabilitation and education.

World Bird Sanctuary hosts a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year, including International Vulture Awareness Day, which will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 5. The event will feature family-friendly crafts, activities and shows. Tickets are $5 for ages 6 and up. Visit World Bird Sanctuary’s Events Calendar for tickets and more information.

World Bird Sanctuary is located at 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Rd., Valley Park, Missouri.

EDITOR’S NOTE: All photos courtesy World Bird Sanctuary.

Kathryn Deters McDonald is a Missouri native, writer, author and lover of all things spooky, ooky and eerie. Salem, Shmalem. It’s all right here in The Spook-Me State.