Throughout the Everglades National Park, vultures hang around visitor areas. Believe it or not, vultures are attracted to the rubber around windshields, sunroofs, and windshield wipers on vehicles. It is unknown why vultures are attracted to these parts of the vehicles.
There have been occasion where vultures have cause damage to visitors’ vehicles. Royal Palm, a wildlife viewing area, has had numerous vulture incidents. The Park encourages visitors to protect their vehicles with tarps and bungee cords that are free in the Royal Palm parking area.
Place the tarp over the car to cover the windshield wipers and rubber around the windows. Secure the tarp with bungee cords. Make sure to return the tarp and cords before you leave the Park.
Now, if you are not in the Royal Palm area, you can either bring your own tarp and cord or follow the following tips to protect your car from vultures if you plan to be away from the car for a long period of time.
Tips to protect your vehicle from vultures include:
- Park in full sun
- Avoid parking near groups of vultures
- Cover exposed rubber with wet sheet or towel
- Make loud noises to spook vultures
- Notify a ranger
Remember, do not harm the vultures as they are a federally-protected species.
Excited to visit the Everglades? Want to explore it in a fun way? There’s so many different ways to explore the Park, including an airboat tour. A ride on an airboat gives you an up-close-and-personal view of the Everglades; it’s a trip you’ll never forget.
To book an airboat trip, call 800-368-0065 or visit our Everglades Airboat Tours page. We are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax).
