MonacoMike
Well-Known Member
- Sep 15, 2009
- 14,721
- Boat Info
- 2000 Cruisers 3870
8.2 Mercs
- Engines
- 85 Sea Ray Monaco 197
260hp Alpha 1
We recently launched at Lake Monroe near Bloomington, IN and suffered damage to our truck from black vultures. I parked the truck and trailer in a nearly deserted lot surrounded by trees about an hour before dark. As I walked to the boat I noticed a dozen or so big black birds. The next day I went to the truck for some cups and immediately noticed it was covered with a whiteish substance with large brown streaks in some spots. Closer inspection revealed the roof was completely covered in a combination of lake water, bird sh!t, and fearthers. What a awful smell, I do not question where the term "foul smell" came from. It was further discovered that the vultures had destroyed my sunroof seal, they literally pecked it off the truck. I contacted the park office and the manager indicated these birds had first arrived in the fall 2010, stayed for about 3 weeks, migrated on, only to return again this fall. They number up to 600 birds at some times near the ramp. My truck was one of a half dozen that were damaged, all had seals or rubber destroyed including a truck with a seal between the cab and extension body sections. The birds are protected by the North American Migratory Bird Treaty, so there is nothing that can be done to remove them at this time.
I have heard that in an effort to be green and utilize renewable resources manufacturers are using peanut oil to make seals and wiring casing. It is said these birds or animals are drawn to the seals because of this. I have heard reports of newer busses and trucks having the wiring casings chewed off by rodents causing shorts and malfunctions. My truck cost $600 to repair. Anyone ever seen or heard of a situation like this? MM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Vulture
I have heard that in an effort to be green and utilize renewable resources manufacturers are using peanut oil to make seals and wiring casing. It is said these birds or animals are drawn to the seals because of this. I have heard reports of newer busses and trucks having the wiring casings chewed off by rodents causing shorts and malfunctions. My truck cost $600 to repair. Anyone ever seen or heard of a situation like this? MM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Vulture
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