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NC Couple's Vulture Feeding Sparks Neighborhood Feud
13 May
Summary
- Residents face court order over feeding up to 100 vultures.
- Town claims vulture excrement creates public health hazards.
- Couple argues birds are protected and beneficial species.
A contentious dispute in Hillsborough, North Carolina, has escalated as local authorities seek a court order against a couple accused of feeding vultures. The town claims the feeding has led to the congregation and roosting of up to 100 birds on and near the residents' property over the past two years.
The town's petition, filed on March 17, 2026, alleges that the couple's actions lure an increasing number of vultures, resulting in "noxious excrement" that is foul-smelling, corrosive, and a public health hazard. Tree branches have been damaged, and sidewalks and driveways have become dangerously slippery due to the build-up.
Despite the town's claims, the couple asserts they have "largely ceased" feeding the birds and dispute the extent of the damage. They argue that vultures are federally protected species whose numbers have declined and that they provide a beneficial service by consuming disease-carrying carrion.
The town is requesting a judge to declare the couple in violation of local wildlife feeding codes and to permanently prohibit them from feeding vultures or other wildlife on their property. The outcome of this legal action remains pending.
