Vultures are protected by state and federal laws. The harassment these birds receive is unjustified. Vultures serve a useful purpose as flying garbage disposals. Black Vultures often tag behind Turkey Vultures, relying on their cousin's better sense of smell to help find food. Since vultures usually do not hunt, they have weaker legs and feet and duller talons and beaks than other raptors.
Vultures are voiceless and can utter only weak hissing sounds.
Legend has it that in the earliest of times the sun lived very close to the earth making it almost unbearable. The vulture was the most beautiful and powerful of birds-its head covered with rich feathers that all other birds envied. Knowing that the earth would burn up unless someone moved the sun, the vulture placed its head against the sun and began to fly toward the heavens. With powerful strokes of its mighty wings, it pushed the sun further and further away from the earth. Though it could feel it crown feathers burning, the vulture continued until the sun was high up in the heavens.