Cameron Park Zoo uses loud noise deterrents to scare off vultures

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Texas Wildlife services is working with Cameron Park Zoo to encourage wild Black Vultures.

The zoo announced on Facebook plans to use non-lethal deterrents from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. for 14 days.

“The real challenge we deal with is that they make the people feel uncomfortable,” Zoo director Brendan Wiley said.

They are partnering with Texas Wildlife Services, under the arm of the USDA, to help deter the vultures. The USDA is using noise makers and light refractors to discourage vultures from feeling comfortable in the zoo, hoping the will go elsewhere.

“It’s a distance situation where people can’t physically touch these black vultures where they’re roosting,” Texas Wildlife Services assistant supervisor Adam Henry said. “So, they become comfortable and they’re not afraid of people. So, we’re reinstilling that uncomfortable fear.”

Zoo guests will receive free clappers to add to the vulture-deterring noise.

If a high vulture popular population remains after two weeks, Cameron Park Zoo plans to use lethal means conducted after zoo hours to reduce the remaining birds. The zoo staff hope to avoid that plan.