HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2013-01-02 vulture dispersal efforts
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
USDA Wildlife Services Program to Conduct Vulture Dispersal
Effort in Leesburg
Leesburg, VA (January 2, 2013) – Starting Monday, January 7, 2013, and continuing throughout
that week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services Program will be
conducting a vulture dispersal operation in the area of Mayfair Drive NE and Plaza Street NE in
Leesburg.
The vultures have returned to the area and have begun to roost in the trees surrounding these
properties. These birds have a tendency to remain in the area for extended periods of time and
can cause property damage and health concerns. Leesburg vulture conflicts have existed for
many years. USDA WS Program has provided vulture damage management assistance at
varying levels for many years depending upon requests by local government and residents. The
USDA WS Program and the Town of Leesburg are working together to move the vultures away
from the areas where they are causing damage. The roosting vultures defecate on buildings,
yards, and vehicles, and can damage rooftops by picking at rubber seals and roofing material.
Dispersal efforts will occur on town property and private property with permission from the
owners. At the present time, officials estimate that there are between 150 and 200 birds
roosting in the affected area. The dispersal operations will begin daily at approximately 4:00pm
and last approximately one hour. USDA WS officials will use pyrotechnics, lasers, and other
dispersal devices that are noise and light makers to move the birds nightly just prior to dark.
USDA WS apologizes for the noise that may disturb some people and pets.
Vultures serve an important function in the environment, but their current location causes a
property and health concern. Effective dispersal of this roost will benefit residents and vultures
in the long term.
Contact:
Lieutenant Jeffrey A. Dubé
Leesburg Police Department
jdube@leesburgva.gov
703-771-4538
# # #