KINGSVILLE, Texas — Hundreds of birds are causing a big flap in a neighborhood in Kingsville.
When the sun begins to set, they're roosting on a communications tower that belongs to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. That tower also sits next to several homes.
The big problem is that it's creating a safety hazard for people who live nearby. One homeowner said the bird droppings get all over their driveway, carport, outdoor plants and furniture. There's also a strong, foul smell.
"I open the door and they're in my backyard," said the homeowner, who didn't want to be identified. "I mean hundreds of them. Hundreds of them. It's all white. We have to get out there everyday and spray and wash our cars."
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said the committee of vultures has been roosting on the tower for about six years.
They've been defecating on the agency's buildings and equipment nearly 300 feet below, and the problem is getting worse.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now working with agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the USDA and environmentalists to come up with a solution to the problem, such as installing a net to deflect the birds away without hurting or killing them. It is illegal to kill a vulture without a permit.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection would not comment on if the birds are affecting use of the communication tower.
