What’s killing vultures at Blue Spring State Park? Investigation launched after 100 die in one month
More than 100 vultures found dead at Blue Spring State Park
State wildlife officials are investigating the deaths of more than 100 vultures at Blue Spring State Park, the latest incident linked to the ongoing spread of avian influenza in Florida.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Testing for avian influenza is underway after 100 vultures died at Blue Spring State Park this month.
Portions of the park are now closed off in an effort to limit the possible spread should the birds come back positive for the virus.
What we know:
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) received reports of 101 deceased vultures at Blue Spring State Park throughout January, the agencies confirmed to FOX 35. An additional 17 vultures are sick, the agency said.
Blue Spring State Park, located in Orange City, is home to a myriad of wildlife, including manatee, wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers.
On Wednesday, Jan. 28, 677 manatees were reported at Blue Spring State Park, but for those who wanted to birdwatch, it was a different story.
"There really hasn’t been very many birds – and I was surprised," said Brenda Stiffen, who was visiting from Albany, New York. "I did hear a red-shouldered hawk screeching around for a little bit, but he’s gone now."
As an amateur photographer and hobby birder, Stiffen came prepared.
"I’m shooting 840 millimeters – and I have some binoculars; I look at all the birds – I love it," she said.
But Stiffen said the bird sightings were scarce and she’s not wrong.
Portions of the state park are now closed off in an effort to limit the spread. For those who do wander, park rangers are there to step in and sanitize.
"I just think it’s a good idea that they’re taking the precautions so it doesn’t get worse," said Jeffrey Koehling.
Samples were collected and submitted to Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BADDL) for testing, FWC said.
Are vultures native to Florida?
Two vulture species are native to Florida: the turkey vulture and the black vulture.
A turkey vulture is identified by its reddish heads, while black vultures are spotted by its black appearance and fanned out tail during flight, FWC said.
Vultures are a state and federally protected migratory bird. It's a crime to harm or kill them without a permit from the FWC.
Avian flu confirmed in 35 counties
The FWC investigates bird deaths each year.
According to Avian flu data for Florida, over half of the state's counties tested positive for the highly contagious Avian flu, HPAI H5. Since 2022, HPAI H5 has been confirmed in 35 counties in Florida. Affected bird categories affected include waterfowl, waterbirds and raptors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the H5N1 strain of avian influenza is currently to blame for outbreaks across the country.
In Orlando, as of January 28, city officials confirmed 37 birds have died at Lake Eola – 29 of which were the area’s beloved swans.
Read more: Orlando swan advocates raise concerns over Lake Eola conditions after bird deaths
Mike Lennon, who lives in Lake Eola Heights, caught a glimpse of the manatees Wednesday at the state park and planned to head home and feed the swans later.
"After a while, they recognize you," Lennon said. "I’ll probably change my shoes tonight. When I go home, I’ll probably change them to another pair."
Bird flu needs to be taken seriously, said Stiffen. Despite their reputation, she said vultures play a pivotal role in the ecosystem.
"It’s big… it’s going to affect everything," Stiffen said. "It’s eventually going to affect the foxes, the bobcats, all the top predators…"
According to the CDC, the virus is impacting wild and domestic birds and cattle. As far as people contracting it, since 2024, the CDC reports 71 confirmed cases and two deaths.
SEBASTIEN INLET, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 18: A Turkey Vulture populates the Sebastian Inlet State Park on November 18, 2024 in Sebastien Inlet, Florida. The weather in Florida provides a welcome habitat for a host of aquatic birds and assorted wildlife. (
Reporting bird deaths
What you can do:
Bird deaths can be reported using the FWC's Avian Mortality Reporting App. This helps the agency better monitor avian health trends and respond quickly to mortality events. The FWC asks that pictures and details be provided when submitting a report.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from a spokesperson with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and reporting from FOX 35's Hannah Mackenzie.