Energy & Environment

Dozens of dead vultures dumped in national park, investigation underway

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by Hope McAlee - 05/06/26 3:32 PM ET

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by Hope McAlee - 05/06/26 3:32 PM ET

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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.

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.

A black vulture stands over a carcass Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Ballardsville, Ky. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

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 grsm_dispatch@nps.gov.

Tipsters can choose to keep their identity private, but the park said sharing information could be very helpful to National Park Service investigators.

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