Share this article
Turkey Vultures Turning Up Comatose
Recent lab work has determined why turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) have been turning up comatose in wildlife clinics in northern California since last year. Researchers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted lab work on six sick vultures’ stomach contents last month and found traces of pentobarbital — a drug used to euthanize animals. They concluded that turkey vultures had consumed carcasses of euthanized animals that were not disposed of properly. Read more about it at KCET Los Angeles.
Header Image:
Turkey vultures are California’s most common scavenging bird. Last month, lab work determined pentobarbital — a drug used to euthanize animals — is to blame for turkey vultures arriving comatose in the state’s wildlife clinics.
Image Credit: David Syzdek via Flickr
Related Posts
Wildlife Vocalizations: Kylie Perez
Perez discusses the biggest challenge facing her generation when it comes to wildlife conservation
Warning drivers about wandering wildlife
Brazilian researchers are training computers to keep an eye out for animals on the road
2024 TWS Elections: Canadian Representative
This year’s nominees for Canadian Representative to TWS Council are Al Arsenault and Dennis Brannen