Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Bryan Park
Common Name: Turkey Vulture
Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Length: 25.2-31.9 in (64-81 cm)
Weight: 70.5 oz (2000 g)
Wingspan: 66.9-70.1 in (170-178 cm)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Chattanooga Nature Center

• The turkey vulture is related to the stork, not to any birds of prey.
• Their scientific name in Latin means “cleansing breeze.”
• Like all other vultures, the turkey vulture has a bald head. This is so that bits of carrion (dead meat) do not adhere to the skin as they would to feathers. At close range the naked red heads of the adult turkey vultures resemble those of turkeys, hence the name.
• Turkey vultures are the only scavenger birds that can’t kill their prey.
• A close inspection of their feet reminds one of a chicken instead of a hawk or an eagle. Their feet are useless for ripping into prey, but the vultures have powerful beaks that can tear through even the toughest cow hide.
• They feed by thrusting their heads into the body cavities of rotting animals.
• Turkey vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell. They have been known to be able to smell carrion from over a mile away, which is very unique in the bird world. The turkey vulture has the largest olfactory (smelling) system of all birds.
• Vultures prefer meat as fresh as possible and won’t eat extremely rotted carcasses. They can smell carrion only 12-24 hours old.
• In the early morning hours you may see turkey vultures sunbathing in a tree with their wings spread out. This is done to increase their body temperature after the cool night.
• Researchers have determined that turkey vultures can travel at up to 200 miles in a day.

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Booger at Richmond SPCA

Booger is a silly, outgoing girl who loves people and wants all the attention she can get. Sometimes she gets so wound up by receiving affection that she may love-bite, but have no fear, this sweet lady just has a hard time containing her joy! Schedule an appointment to visit Booger today to see what a wonderful companion she is!

Age: 3 years, 4 months
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Grey / White
Declawed: No
ID: 46034951

Adopt Booger at the Booger SPCA

In response to COVID-19 and in order to reduce visitor traffic, observe necessary social distancing and to best protect the health and wellbeing of thier staff and members of the public, Richmond SPCA has transitioned to adoptions by appointment only. Please review their adoption appointment process.