There have not been any recent reports to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in Parkersburg of predator black vultures preying on livestock in this part of the state.

According to the Associated Press, these birds feed on living animals and have killed newborn livestock in the state.

DNR officials said there are black vultures here but they're more common in the eastern panhandle.

In the past there have been reports of these birds destroying property in neighboring counties.

"It's a rare occurrence from what I've been able to gather. I think they're attracted to the newborns because of the probably from the odor from the birthing process and also because they're a lot smaller and weaker at birth," said WV DNR Lieutenant Harry Shaver.

Lieutenant shaver said these vultures do prey on dead animals.

Many times livestock deaths from these birds aren't reported because farmers may only see the vulture eating the carcases.

These birds are a protected species so it is illegal to kill them.

To report these birds call the WV DNR at 304-420-4550