Jeffersonville neighborhood plagued by overwhelming vulture problem

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Residents in a Jeffersonville neighborhood are dealing with an overwhelming vulture problem, and despite the city's efforts, the birds aren't budging.

To deter the vultures, the city has installed two decoy birds, designed to resemble dead buzzards, in an attempt to scare them away. However, locals said the tactic has been largely ineffective. Each morning, hundreds of birds still gather in the area.

Hunter Lawson, a resident affected by the infestation, recalls how the issue began shortly after he moved into his home last November.

"Yeah, it’s full of birds," Lawson said. "There are 30-plus birds in this yard."

The vacant lot next to Lawson’s house is home to a group of feral cats, which are fed by the property owner each evening. Unfortunately, the vultures have taken advantage of the leftover food, making the lot their preferred gathering spot.

Robert Whiteside, who also lives in the neighborhood near Ewing Lane, expressed his frustration.

"You're not allowed to kill them, you can't do anything with them, so they become a bit of a pain," Whiteside said. "They eat dead stuff, which is a good thing, but the droppings on the houses are a problem."

Footage from residents shows the vultures feeding on a dead animal in the neighborhood, further unsettling those living in the area.

"I've never seen so many before in my life in one place," Lawson added.

Despite multiple complaints, city officials say their hands are tied. The vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which means killing or capturing them without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is illegal.

While the decoys have kept the birds away from some trees, the vultures simply relocate to nearby rooftops. Lawson said he often hears them walking on his roof at night.

"Yeah, they come right back. I chase them out of my yard, screaming and hollering. I've even pulled up in my car, and they don’t even move. You could almost run them over, and they still won’t budge."

Residents said the birds aren’t attacking pets but have been seen chasing cats away from food and water.

"I want them gone. I don’t know what the city can even do about it," Lawson said.

For now, Jeffersonville residents remain frustrated, hoping for a solution to their persistent vulture problem.

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