Couple Accused of Attracting Swarms of Vultures to Their Neighborhood Sued by Officials in N.C. Town

In a curious case unfolding in Hillsborough, North Carolina, local officials have initiated legal action against a couple, Kenneth and Linda Ostrand, for allegedly attracting large numbers of vultures to their neighbourhood. The situation, which has garnered significant attention, is said to have developed over the past several months and includes claims of inordinate property damage and sanitational concerns attributed to the birds.

According to the complaint filed by the Town of Hillsborough, the Ostrands are accused of feeding the vultures scraps of food, with the couple even reportedly naming some of the birds. This purported behaviour began around May 2024, and it has led to complaints from the couple’s neighbours regarding the presence of these birds. “They’re a little spooky to be frank,” said resident Holden Richards, speaking with local news outlet WTVD. Richards lamented that the couple’s actions have created an unsightly and unhealthy environment, stating, “They are not good neighbours.”

Reports indicate that many residents in the area, including Richards himself, have experienced damage to their properties due to the vultures. Richards recounted a troubling instance where the birds dislodged tiles from his neighbour’s roof, which subsequently led to repairs on his own property. He elaborated, “They tend to mark their territory with their excrement and they have long, sharp talons, so they’re not great animals to have perching on your house.”

Another neighbour, Michael Beanland, reinforced the growing unease within the community. He disclosed that he had reached out to the Ostrands around 10 to 15 times concerning the vultures over recent years. In a particularly concerning episode in 2022, Beanland found several deceased vultures on his property, which he believed had died from bird flu. His frustrations culminated in a formal complaint to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners earlier this year.

Amidst rising tensions, the town has moved to seek a court injunction aimed at halting the Ostrands’ alleged practice of feeding the vultures. Officials argue that this activity presents both a public safety problem and a nuisance to the community at large. Court documents include images depicting numerous vultures circling what Richards claimed was the Ostrands’ residence.

In defence of their actions, Linda Ostrand expressed feelings of being unfairly targeted, arguing that vultures were already a part of the neighbourhood before her family moved in. “It’s ridiculous,” she remarked, asserting that while she understands complaints must be addressed, the underlying issue predates her family’s residence.

Moreover, Hillsborough has updated local regulations to prohibit the feeding of wildlife unless using traditional bird feeders — a provision requiring the feeders to be elevated at least five feet above the ground. Linda recounted, “They said you can’t feed birds unless the feeders are hung five feet off the ground. So nobody in town is allowed to throw seed on the ground.”

Interestingly, Linda Ostrand has a background in wildlife conservation, having previously served as the head of the Hillsborough wildlife rehabilitation centre, Our Wild Neighbors. She defended the necessity of vultures within the ecosystem, emphasizing their role as nature’s clean-up crew. “If people didn’t have vultures around you would hear them screaming bloody murder about the animals that have been hit by cars,” she asserted.

In a recent court filing, the Ostrands denied any wrongdoing, contending that simply having vultures in the area does not serve as evidence of their feeding activities. They likened the presence of the birds to tennis shoes belonging to someone who does not play at Wimbledon, suggesting a disconnect between appearance and action.

As the legal proceedings continue, no court date has yet been established for this civil case. Meanwhile, curiosity grows around the actions of the Hillsborough Town Council and how they will navigate the complexities of local wildlife management and community relations. Efforts to reach the Town of Hillsborough for further comment were met with silence. As this case unfolds, it raises broader questions about the balance between community living and the coexistence with wildlife.