GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (WLOS) — The National Park Service is asking for the public’s help after 33 black vultures were found dead in Great Smoky Mountains National Park last month.
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Rangers discovered the dead vultures around noon on April 6, 2026, along Foothills Parkway West, according to park officials. Rangers determined the birds had been dumped.
Park officials said black vultures are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to harm or kill them without a permit. Dumping anything in a national park is also illegal.
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The National Park Service is asking the public for information that may be useful to investigators. Anyone who was on the Foothills Parkway between Chilhowee and Walland on April 6 is asked to email officials. Anyone with dashcam video or photos, or other helpful information, is also asked to reach out. Individuals may remain anonymous.