GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — An investigation is underway after rangers found 33 dead black vultures dumped in a popular national park last month.
On April 6, park rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park found the dead birds alongside a portion of the Foothills Parkway.
New backcountry reservation system, fees coming to Great Smoky Mountains
According to the park, black vultures, or Coragyps atratus, are a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm or kill them without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Further, dumping anything in a national park is illegal.
If you were in the area of the Foothills Parkway between Chilhowee and Walland on April 6, have dash camera video or photos, or if you have information that could help, you are urged to contact the GSMNP by emailing [email protected].
‘From mild to wild:’ What to explore on the ‘adventure side’ of the Smokies
Tipsters can choose to keep their identity private, but the park said sharing information could be very helpful to National Park Service investigators…