ne of the California condors released at Vermillion Cliffs was found dead recently, shot within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park (Soap Creek). This is really sad, because the condors are no threat to anything in the region at all. Whether this was an intentional act against the condor as an Endangered Species, a misunderstanding about the bird¹s biology and intentions (they don¹t attack), or simply pot-shots for fun at a big, black target, it is simply unconscionable. While a criminal investigation is underway to explain the shooting, another condor was returned to captivity due to increasing habituation with humans. This is not good.

Condor # 86, released from the Hurricane Cliffs, was spotted by river runners on April 4 at Travertine Canyon. The condor was very tame and approached the river runners without hesitation. This same condor then appeared on the Hualapai Reservation, where it was reportedly contained and fed while the Peregrine Fund was notified. This bird has been returned to Boise, id, to remain in captivity as a breeding bird.

The recently released condors have been seen on numerous river trips and have approached camps on many occasions. Oddly enough, they appear to be picking up a lot of the behavioral traits of ravens from close associations with those birds. While this may seem clever and charming, it is not good for the condors. Condors are scavengers; they do not kill their own food. These particular birds are young and inexperienced‹it has been a long time since their kind were wild in the skies over Grand Canyon and the last time they were, there were no river runners with tasty tidbits for them to scavenge. It is extremely important that condors not become habituated to humans and human food if the reintroduction program is to be successful. If you see condors on the banks of the river, please don¹t try and get close. If they come near your camp, please try and scare them away by running at them shouting and waving your arms. Under no circumstances should we feed them! For more information on the Condor Reintroduction Program, please contact: The Peregrine Fund at 520-355-2270.