Several turkey vultures roosting in a dead tree. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SHELBY, N.C. (AP) — Officials in Shelby are considering how to deal with turkey vultures that have settled in the area.

The Star of Shelby reports the migratory buzzards have been a problem in the area both this winter and last winter.

Kristen Duren with the Cleveland County Cooperative Extension says the birds are staying in the area longer because the past two winters have been warmer than usual.

Turkey vultures are not aggressive and only eat dead animals. But they look intimidating and they smell bad.

People cannot shoot the birds because they are federally protected.

Duren says one tactic is to put out effigies of turkey vultures that appear to be afraid, discouraging other birds from settling in the area.

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Information from: The Shelby Star, http://www.shelbystar.com

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.