Trailside staff are often questioned about the large groups of birds that visit the Black Bear exhibit each summer. These very social Black Vultures are southern migrants traveling in family groups. While no one knows exactly why the vultures flock to the bear den, it is speculated that the exhibit is similar to their wild habitat, which includes sunny, rocky areas, with access to water. Black Vultures eat carion and so do not scavenge any food from the vegetarian black bears, especially since Pal and Sadie never leave any leftovers!
Recently, Trailside staff observed a banded Black Vulture in with the bears and reported the band number to the USGS. The number matched an individual originally banded one year ago near Hamburg, Pennsylvania! Bird banding is a non-invasive and simple way to track wildlife. If you see a banded bird, you can report it to the USGS online at www.reportband.gov.
