I attempt to discourage the Black Vultures from hanging around because they, unlike the native Turkey Vulture, er, Buzzard (have they come back to Hinckley?) are known to take live prey, especially smaller critters. Like - cats. Even newborn calves. Wish they had an appetite for Coyote Yukhoe (or if they don't have a fancy for Korean food, Coyote Tartare..) There is a tribe of Wiley's relatives that roams through here on about a two week circuit that needs extreme culling. We think they (the coyotes, not the obama buzzards) may be responsible for the disappearance of The Copy Cat..
The Turkey Buzzard will at least wait till you're dead. Of course, they might sit vigil...
It might have been a coyote that mangled Jake ... but it might have been a dog. I wouldn’t expect to see a coyote within half a mile or so, but on the other hand, one day I was in the woods with Ash and she took a fright and dragged me home at full gallop. When we got there, both cats were huddled under a shrub next to the door.