A long-simmering dispute between a wildlife-loving North Carolina couple and their neighbors has escalated, with local authorities now seeking a court order to stop the pair from feeding up to 100 vultures that have been roosting on and around their property for two years.
Background of the Conflict
The Town of Hillsborough filed a civil petition on March 17, stating that complaints about the scavengers began in May 2024. Officials blame residents Kenneth and Linda Ostrand for attracting the birds. The petition alleges that the Ostrands were observed feeding food scraps to the vultures, drawing increasing numbers to congregate near their home.
Although the Ostrands claim they largely stopped feeding the vultures in November 2024, the town asserts that they were seen leaving food out as recently as February. According to local news site The Assembly, the couple even named two of their favorite birds, Morticia and Chester.
Health and Safety Concerns
The town's petition describes the vultures' excrement as voluminous, noxious, and corrosive, damaging roofs, vehicles, and tree branches. The buildup on sidewalks and driveways is deemed a public health hazard, making surfaces dangerously slippery. The petition states that the Ostrands' actions pose a danger to the health, safety, and welfare of residents.
The Ostrands' Defense
In response, the Ostrands filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that photographs of vultures circling or roosting do not constitute feeding. They assert that they occasionally put out water and scraps for birds, as vultures are federally protected and their numbers have declined. The couple claims that vultures are beneficial for controlling disease and pathogens.
Neighbors, including Michael Beanland, who lives next door, have reported roof shingles being pulled loose by the birds' talons. The Beanlands reported the Ostrands to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners after direct negotiations failed. The town then sent cease-and-desist orders before filing the formal petition.
Ostrands' Rebuttal
The Ostrands maintain that they have significantly reduced the bird population and that there is no roof damage or excrement issues. They accuse the town of singling them out, noting that others feeding deer, squirrels, or other birds have not been cited. Linda Ostrand expressed confusion, asking, "Tell the vultures that this is a no-feed zone?"
Vulture Behavior and Legal Context
Vultures eat carrion and can projectile vomit up to 10 feet as a defense. Their droppings carry diseases like histoplasmosis, salmonella, and encephalitis. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 prohibits killing vultures, with fines up to $200,000 and a year in prison. In 2020, 300 vultures coated a Texas communications tower in droppings, preventing maintenance.
Hillsborough is asking a judge to declare the Ostrands in violation of a local wildlife feeding code, order them to stop, and permanently enjoin them from placing food for vultures or other wildlife.
