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Vulture Feeding Feud: Couple vs. Town
13 May
Summary
- Couple accused of feeding up to 100 vultures for two years.
- Town seeks court order against residents over vulture nuisance.
- Ostrands claim birds are federally protected and beneficial.
A legal battle is underway in Hillsborough, North Carolina, as the town seeks a court order against residents Kenneth and Linda Ostrand. The couple is accused of attracting and feeding up to 100 vultures for approximately two years, leading to issues with noxious excrement, property damage, and public health concerns.
The Ostrands, who allegedly named some of the birds, deny the extent of their involvement and assert that vultures are federally protected and play a beneficial role in consuming carrion. They claim to have largely ceased feeding the birds by November 2024 and dispute the town's allegations of ongoing damage.
However, the town's petition, filed on March 17, 2026, cites recent sightings of feeding as late as February 2026. Neighboring residents have also reported damage from the vultures. The Ostrands have filed a motion to dismiss the case, questioning the evidence and accusing officials of singling them out.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 prohibits the killing of vultures, with potential fines up to $200,000 and a year in federal prison for violations. The town's legal action aims to prohibit the Ostrands from feeding vultures and other wildlife on their property.
