PHOTO BY Y S VIA UNSPLASH.COM
Florida wildlife officials are investigating a cluster of vulture deaths reported at Blue Spring State Park in Volusia County, after park staff and visitors reported dozens of birds sick or dead over the month of January. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has confirmed 17 sick vultures and 101 dead vultures reported at the park, and says samples have been collected for testing, including avian influenza (bird flu).
FOX 35 Orlando reported the deaths involve two native species, turkey vultures and black vultures, and that the cause has not been confirmed publicly while lab results are pending. FWC is asking the public to submit reports with details and photos when possible, and officials have emphasized not handling sick or dead wildlife.
Blue Spring is one of Central Florida’s best-known wildlife parks, particularly during winter manatee season when hundreds of manatees gather in the spring run, and visitors crowd the overlooks. While vultures are often overlooked, they play a key ecological role as scavengers, removing carrion that can otherwise spread disease.
The investigation is happening amid broader regional concern about avian influenza in wild birds.
