A long-simmering dispute between a wildlife-loving North Carolina couple and their neighbors has escalated, with local authorities seeking a court order to stop the pair from feeding up to 100 vultures that have been congregating around their property for two years. The Town of Hillsborough filed a civil petition on March 17, blaming residents Kenneth and Linda Ostrand for attracting the scavengers.
Complaints and Allegations
The town began receiving grievances about the vultures in May 2024. According to the petition, the Ostrands were observed feeding food scraps to the birds, luring more to the area. Although the couple claims they largely stopped feeding them in November 2024, the town alleges they were spotted leaving food as recently as February. The vultures produce voluminous amounts of noxious excrement that damages roofs, vehicles, and trees, and creates slippery, hazardous conditions on sidewalks and driveways, the petition states.
Health and Safety Concerns
The excrement is foul-smelling and corrosive, and tree branches have been damaged by its weight. The buildup also poses a public health risk. Once fed, the vultures roost on the Ostrands' property and neighboring homes. The town asserts that the Ostrands' actions endanger the health, safety, and welfare of residents.
Defense and Dismissal Motion
The Ostrands filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that photographs of vultures circling or roosting do not constitute feeding. They claim they occasionally put out water and scraps for birds, which are federally protected species whose numbers have declined. Linda Ostrand previously ran a nonprofit for orphaned wildlife. The couple insists they have reduced the bird population significantly and that there is no roof damage or excrement issues.
Neighbor's Perspective
Next-door neighbors Michael Beanland and his wife have borne the brunt of the situation. They submitted photos of vultures flying and roosting and reported the Ostrands to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners after direct talks failed. The Ostrands claim they were responsive to the Beanlands' concerns.
Legal and Environmental Context
Vultures eat carrion and can projectile vomit up to 10 feet as a defense. Their droppings carry diseases like histoplasmosis and salmonella. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits killing vultures, with penalties up to $200,000 and a year in prison. The town seeks a court order declaring the Ostrands in violation of a local wildlife feeding code, ordering them to stop, and permanently enjoining them from feeding wildlife.
Linda Ostrand expressed confusion, stating, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do. Tell the vultures that this is a no-feed zone?"
