Turkey vultures shed some of their feathers (near the tale) in winters or early spring. , so that vultures die instead of hovering above the dead body. There have been no verified reports of vulture attacks on humans and these birds do not have the beak strength or claw strength as other birds of prey. This is why you should always clean your BBQ grill as soon as you are done cooking on it. Birds that munch on carcasses cannot be tasty. I kept my eye on it, fortunately,because it suddenly dropped into a glide heading right for the dog,talons out. This ability allows them to find carrion even beneath a forest's canopy. Pioneer Publishing Group LLC also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. If you have ever seen these birds, you may have noticed that they are non-aggressive and somewhat timid. Luckily, as long as you take steps to protect their habitat and food sources, these magnificent birds will continue to grace the skies. Vultures have an exceptional immune system to fend off against air-borne infections. I'm told the people in California take gulf clubs :) I don't care what the books say. When they are threatened, they will try to defend themselves by hissing and regurgitating, which is disgusting but not harmful to humans or pets. However, luckily for your taste buds, The Migratory Bird Treaty Act forbids capturing, killing, selling, or trading a wide range of birds, including vultures. Bigger buzzards can be five pounds with a six-foot wingspan. They dont kill; they eat what is already dead. Other than that, there may be some other structure that is good for them to sit on. It is more likely that some other animal killed the calves and that the vultures were feeding on decaying leftovers. Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. Furthermore, there is only a handful of scavengers around. Besides, vulture bodies have adapted to survive against potential diseases. and they only seem to scavenge ospreys and hawks are different the reason this bird has a bald head is because when it sticks its head into a dead animal to eat,the feathers are not matted with dried blood but the feathers around their neck get crispy with dried blood making them look spikey and stiff,i know for a fact they don't kill live animals they have terrible vision and rely on smell they are also lumbering and slow those must be some demented turkey vultures you got there in texas.but anythings possible i guess. Their feathers are designed to be water resistant, which helps them remain dry while they search for food on the ground. While I haven't seem them go after my sheltie, which looks larger with all his fur, they have definitely "buzzed" my smaller ones. Besides, humans are relatively large prey with superior intelligence. If handled, they may bite or vomit if cornered. In this section, we are going to answer some frequently asked questions regarding a potential vultures danger to other species. prohibited citizens from caging, harming, or shooting the birds of prey. They are carnivores but with an instinct to only consume dead animals and bodies. I am Tina Jones. that gather to feed on the flesh. They're peaceful creatures who only eat dead things. They have some uncanny and disgusting habits, such as vomiting for self-defense and excreting on themselves for body temperature regulation. Pioneer Publishing Group LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are two main reasons vultures smell so bad. 2) Turkey vultures have a great sense of smell. In conclusion, although turkey vultures are not dangerous to humans in most situations, it is still important to take proper precautions when co-existing with these majestic birds of prey. They lack grip strength in their "chicken feet" and aren't technically even raptors! It can guide the spread of disease if the birds are not adequately controlled. According to an article published at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Unlike the more docile turkey vultures, which are more timid and feed on dead animal carcasses, Black vultures are more aggressive. This will ensure no animal comes on your property because of the smell of meat, especially birds. They would only attack a human if they wished to do so Most vultures only eat the bone marrow portion. If your garbage is somehow open outside your home, then it is no surprise that a vulture will come to sift through it. This process helps ensure a healthy balance between predators and prey by providing vital nutrients back into the environment without any additional effort or cost on our part! to keep them from killing their animals. Here are steps you can take to get them healthy and eating again should this event occur. However, there are times when their presence is not beneficial, Read more. This is an osprey, which is very dangerous to handle. As vultures carry very toxic chemicals and strong poisonous acids in their stomachs, they can help to kill dangerous diseases like cholera, botulism, anthrax, and rabies. What are Termite Swarmers Are they Dangerous? So, the bird cannon is only a temporary solution for your turkey vulture problems. Many people would assume that a bird of that size will scratch or bite when to defend themselves, but actually, that is not the case. However, scientists theorize the following explanations: Nearly all birds of prey use their strong muscular legs to crush their victims. Human bones are often found around 100miles2 area, surrounding the original dead body site. If nothing else seems to work, then try using spikes. However, we strongly recommend you not to eat this toxic bird. I have to disagree today it is early spring in southeast Ohio. Vultures restrict the spread of disease by consuming the rotting carcasses. This continued until the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 prohibited citizens from caging, harming, or shooting the birds of prey. They have no desire to attack people and lack the physical capabilities to harm humans. They love picking through smelly garbage to find some source of food such as meat. We live on the farm and there was turkey buzzards sitting one on top of the barn and the other one was inside the barn and I have a horse will it attack my horse I don't know if they have babies in the barn do they nest in Barns. By law, turkey vultures are protected in the USA by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and may not be harmed. Intervention after this point gives inconclusive forensic results. Curious to learn more? Thank you for this article because we were really worried about our small dogs. So if you are not sure how to prepare and clear toxic animals, you better stay away from the carrion-eater birds. However, despite this symbolism, the spiritual meaning of seeing turkey vultures is often associated with patience, loyalty, tolerance, protection, innovation, cleansing, adaptability, death, and rebirth. They lack grip strength in their "chicken feet" and aren't technically even raptors! Yesterday I witnessed turkey vultures devouring a dead cat. Otherwise, they will have to wait for it to come out through degradation, or break the mandible. Vultures are not as dangerous as their appearance might suggest. Turkey vultures are widely spread through North America. The only vulture attack reported on a live human was on, Vultures have exceptionally corrosive stomach juices. Many people believe that you should be prepared for something terrible if you see turkey vultures circling your property. You see, vultures are extremely clever birds. Other animals that have more contact with humans and . And thats also a reason why many homeowners and businesses try different methods to discourage vulturesfromroostingon and around their buildings. However, if the buzzards problem around your property is too much because there are too many of them to deal with alone, then you should call a professional. They have been known to chase humans; however, attacks can usually be deterred and minor injuries can be avoided by giving turkeys a respectful amount of space." The New York State Department of. They prefer to eat herbivores, not carnivores or omnivores. The timespan also depends on the number of vultures consuming the dead organism. It looks a bit like Alcatraz on my balcony. We have already partnered with exterminators and companies to bring you exclusive discounts. Male and female turkey vultures look alike. There are misconceptions about turkey vultures being dangerous to humans and their pets. Usually, they try to work up their way to look for connective tissue remains. Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are a New World species that has even proven useful in notifying people of natural gas spills, simply by hovering persistently over them. Turkey vultures are scavengers and feed mainly on carrion (dead animals). Lastly comes the belly portion, often bloated because of the continuous microbial activity. Although very few species of vultures are known to hunt small prey, they mostly prefer dead animals for their food. Here are the facts about raising turkeys. At night, they often gather in large roosts. Because turkey vultures are sensitive to environmental contaminants like toxins or pollutants, they can provide us with valuable information about the health of our environment. In other words, they eat animals that eat plants, not meat. This may cause the sparks from the fireworks to start a fire. Get Rid of Any Deceased Animal Near Your Property, 4. However, vultures like Andean Condor and bearded vultures, tend to engulf even the broken bone pieces. If you think you cant handle this on your own and need some help, then it is best to call a professional. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There are places in certain African countries where people eat vultures. In addition, Black Vults fly faster than their turkey counterparts, who soar gracefully through the air thanks to their larger wingspan! But besides their bad rep, is there a legit reason to be afraid of vultures? When they are threatened, they will try to defend themselves by hissing and regurgitating, which is disgusting but not harmful to humans or pets. The turkey vultures are all over the place. Don't want that either. They constantly assume crap! It is physiologically impossible, they aren't built for it! This provides another food source for the food source other prey is unavailable. A mature Turkey Vulture possesses dark plumage with wings with silver-white shades shining in the sunlight. They make clumsy hopping moves as they walk and spread their wings awkwardly as they try to take off. Be sure to move it around every 3-5 days to help reinforce the idea that they're live owls. This . If a large, dead animal has been spotted, they may wait until there are enough birds to dispose of the carcass in a timely manner before descending (yuck!). With that said, many people still feel weird when they see the vultures roosting on their building roof or circling overhead.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'proshieldpest_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-proshieldpest_com-leader-2-0'); The only concern with turkey vultures is their vomit which is typically a part of their defense mechanism and should not be worried about. I call bs on they don't kill live pets because it happens here in FL. Is it Legal to Kill a Turkey Vulture on Your Roof? But, the reality is that they are one of the most harmless birds of all. As you discovered in this guide, vultures do not eat humans or attack people unless they feel threatened. Vultures help create a balance in our environment by collecting all the animal and human waste worldwide. Or in case you need to hire professional pest control services near your area, you can Click Here to get a free instant quote now. His passion for wildlife stems from a childhood spent in the countryside, where he developed a deep fascination with the behaviors of wild animals. I found no evidence of aggressive attacks by turkey vultures. No one has been allowed to shoot them for a long time. After that, you can think of getting rid of them. You will often see them in . (Plus 3 Lions Weaknesses). As they tend to feed on roadkill animals when they have a chance, there is a small possibility that you can try to avoid a collision and have a car accident. Here is how it usually goes. Turkey vultures have a bad reputation because they hand around dead animals. Instead, admire them from afar and appreciate their vital role in nature. Maybe it makes things worse as last week, at least four turkey on July 17, 2017: Quite terrifying as these vultures are big and when looking them up on the net, saw they ate anything not moving. Specifically, answering questions about the most common species within the five distinct groups of animals:amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. Not so here, but perhaps not explained as well as could be. His articles have been mentioned by Wikipedia, USA Today, and HuffPost, among others. These nest sites are typically much cooler (by 13F or more) than surroundings, and isolated from human traffic or disturbance. They were so close I even saw their heads, so I looked up the pics. Turkey vultures WILL NOT kill your dogs, cats OR children. No, vultures are not dangerous because they have evolved to eat dead animals and do not pose a threat to humans or pets. (Myth or Fact? However, the vulture population is still declining. Gary Graves, Smithsonian. The vulture only made it 3 houses down and dropped lil Vinny in another neighbors pool. Though vultures can eat even the dead elephants. You may, however, need to use nonlethal methods and hire professional exterminators to do the job. Although turkey vultures are harmless, some people dont like them near their property. As a wildlife park manager I had several rehabilitated Turkey Vultures in my care. They are attracted to the scent of mercaptan, the gas produced by the beginnings of decay. Vulture may potentially spread diseases by contaminating water while drinking or bathing. Although they are not interested in your pet chihuahua as food, they could feel threatened and attack to defend themselves. They have no reason to harm people and also lack the ability to do so as their legs are weak and their talons blunt. Schnitt, I was out in my back-yard, which is marsh-front, with my 13 lb. Why Do Homeowners Have to Pay Property Taxes. So here the most intriguing question arises: Can you eat vultures? A large group of vultures circling high above is referred to as a "kettle.". I see a ton of uneducated comments on here. So naturally, vultures do not attack people, unless provoked in some manner threatening the livelihood of the bird. But here is the thing, they didnt kill them; they are there to clean the mess. So, since I am not used to them, I was wondering, are turkey vultures dangerous? While vultures are not dangerous to humans, their scavenging habits can threaten public health. Owls will also take the small dogs, so we take the dogs out with a baseball bat. vultures ate a dead human body in under 45 minutes. As a wildlife enthusiast with an insatiable curiosity for the natural world, Aleksandar is the man behind the scenes and, together with Kristina, has co-founded Wild Explained. They don't look for food at night, either. So if you want to believe these experts, do that, while they are tearing into your pet and eating them right in front of your face. Owing to its enormous size and its role as a scavenger, a vulture seems anything but encouraging. Still, human-caused air pollution resulted in calcium erosion from vulture eggshells. Turkey vultures tend to congregate in areas with plenty of food sources, like sharp cliffs, open fields, or near water sources. Turkey vultures often feed on carrion (already dead animals), but sometimes they may scavenge for other food sources such as pet food, garbage, or compost piles. The most common time to see a Turkey Vulture is while driving, so look along the sides of highways and in the sky over open countryside. i don't think so,we havethem all over my town in ca. Turkey vultures have dark feathers, a silvery sheen, and a characteristic reddish head. So I am sitting in my yard yesterday when out of the blue this turkey vulture comes over my yard and next thing you know there are 2 then a 3rd. MAINE ALSO HAVE DOCUMENTED CASES OF OWLS ATTACKING SMALL DOGS ALSO, ONE STILL ON THE LEASH WITH THE OWNER RIGHT THERE. The biggest threat to new world vultures is habitat destruction due to human activity. They do so to keep their bodies cool in hot weather. First, because of their diet, and second, they urinate on themselves. Luckily I had the 357 magnum close by and after one shot they left promptly. They do not possess some of the strong hunting physical features like other birds of prey. We have four dogs, three of them quite small. Vultures do not attack live animals, and only a few incidents were reported in some parts of the world regarding vultures attacking small livestock. the only regions for any soft opening would be either eyes, groin, or anus. Vultures eat dead animals, and because of that, they taste awful. Vultures does also have a keen sense of smell. You may see them flying low to the ground as they search for the smell of ethyl mercaptan. They serve as part of the clean-up crew in our landscapes, and you should appreciate them from afar without fear of harm. For instance, diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug given to cattle. They frequently fly in circles and take advantage of rising columns of warm air called thermals.. Turkey vultures also feed on other smaller pests, such as rats, mice, and insects. Im the lead editor and writer for Animal Answer Guide. And so. Welcome to ProShieldPest.com. Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. I enjoy sharing expert knowledge on the various characteristics of common species within the five distinct groups of animals: amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. and they are definitely Turkey Vultures. Vultures are known to attack other species if they feel threatened or try to protect their food. Turkey vultures (also referred to as buzzards in the United States) has red-colored heads. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Two of my Chihuahuas are very small, 4 and 5 lbs.. You have to live the experience to know it's true, they attack and eat small animals even if they are still alive. They will get away from your property because they will not want to be around such a sound. When seen closely, the turkey vultures feathers appear dark brown, while that of the black vulture appears sooty black. Related articles you may be interested in, If you are wondering do vultures eat human remains then carry on reading, I kept this at the end because it is gruesome. Thankfully, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects this species. Turkey vultures locate their food using their sight and a highly developed sense of smell while soaring in the sky. Externally, look-wise, they might be intimidating and life-threatening, but they do not have any physical qualities to back that up. There is no scientific evidence to support this argument too. Here I share all my knowledge and experiences to help people understand better how they can stop pests at their homes without actually killing them. The turkey vulture is a very intimidating looking bird. So I guess it all depends on what mood your turkey vulture is in when Fluffy goes out to play. Among raptors, vultures are the least likely to attack any human. Their branches are their favorite spot, and they love hanging out on them. But, If it comes to hunting, vultures would rather eat a scrawny rat than a near-dead human. Vultures have small faces and bare necks. If you are looking for the answer is vulture eggs are edible, the answer is yes. Whenever the sprinkler senses that a bird is nearby, it will shoot a jet of water. Turkey vultures are harmless. Do vultures attack humans? At least thats the impression I had when we moved to Delaware they are all over. They play a very important role in disposing off the carcasses. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A human skull is strong enough to resist vultures bites for hours. It turns out that our American turkey vultures aren't interested in our pets at allor in our kids, either, for that matter. The flat and weak feet do not help vultures in hunting, which is the reason why they do not attack live animals most of the time. However, it is still uncomfortable to have such a bird circling, landing, or roosting around your house. In the wild, a fresh kill is like an easy treat. In the meantime, vultures start looking for some other opening and end up around the anal region. As already mentioned, turkey vultures feed on dead animals and present zero danger to small animals or children. I told my 3yr old niece to look at them and explained what they were. Ultimately, while vulture species may be menacing to look at, Turkey Vultures are not dangerous to humans. I'll just move and stop complaining but those of you who can't move, ue to roots or kids in school or mortgages, think you should go to your local university and check for Turkey v8lt8re mites if you get a resh. ), How Strong Are Tigers? Their physical appearance and highly sociable character might be intimidating, but they do not ever harm people. Intervention after this point gives inconclusive forensic results. Have a read of my article about vultures and if they are dangerous Are Vultures dangerous? Now I have to figure out a way to take my dogs out. Or they could be playing, searching for food, or gaining altitude for a long flight. They do have an intimidating presence, and some species are found to be aggressive, especially when they are feeding. Furthermore, feeding wild animals could lead to increased conflicts between humans and wildlifeso its best to leave feeding wild animals up to the experts! They also prefer areas with plenty of tall trees and other places they can perch while they hunt for food. Are birds that feed on rotten meat and urinate on their own feet edible? In this article, well answer the question: First, youll find a short summary about the dangerousness of vultures in general, then get specific answers about these birds like are vultures aggressive, will they bite, do vultures eat humans, etc. Wonder if they're from God. People are sometimes so ignorant!!! Their long toes with blunted talons can cause serious injury to ward off predators. . So, if only we dont eat vultures, they are good for our environment. Speaking of adaptation, most animals would get sick from eating certain dead animals, but not turkey vultures. That is why they are classified as scavengers. The other people I found mostly treat turkey vultures as a side project. So, eating a vulture means threatening your health. Jack Russell last month. Scrape out the turkey vulture nests, eggs, and droppings from under your eave or siding. (Attack or Eat Humans), How Fast Is An Alligator On Land? They also eat a lot of small insects which also clean out the environment. . I deer was hit by a car and landed next door. If there is an increase in turkey vulture deaths due to contamination, this could indicate that something is wrong with our local ecosystem. Are vultures dangerous? Turkey vultures are large birds, about 2.5 feet tall on average, and have a wingspan of around 6 feet. It tends to feed primarily on the dead or almost dead creatures. And we have a huge amount of them. This helps keep their populations in check and prevents them from becoming a nuisance in our neighborhoods. And there you have it. However, Black vultures are reported to be aggressive and attack small animals for food. Perhaps, vultures dont eat live humans or animals because they are simply shy. However, if an animal has a tough hide, they do need to wait a few days until the hide has softened up enough for their weak beaks to penetrate it. Due to their size, appearance, and feeding habits, many people fear them. Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), also sometimes called buzzards, are the most widespread vulture in North America. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The only vulture attack reported on a live human was on an Athenian dramatist Aeschylus. This is because such trees are turkey vultures best friend. "The black vulture is an amazing bird," Dr. Fitzpatrick. I think the "attacks" or "swooping" were other vultures. 14 Proven Tips to Scare Off Crows (and Magpies) Fast. ), What are Lions Afraid of? This molting process may last till autumn, and the feathers lost are often replaced by new feathers very soon. Threats to Vultures Fortunately for human and landscape health, both turkey and black vulture populations are steady in the U.S. Turkey vultures are even expanding their range as our climate warms. In fact, they are helpful in many ways. Vulture eyes are protected by special membranes to survive acidic gas exposure. The company found that turkey vultures gathered where the mercaptan leaked out. However, vultures have flat feet with blunt talons. Similarly, DDT contamination has caused the deaths of several hundred vultures. They are about 27 inches (70 centimeters) tall and have a wingspan of about 5.6 feet (1.7 meters). Though there are several ongoing vulture-conservation plans. They're more. Where would we be without them? Some farmers would disagree with these statements. Legal Information: This site is owned and operated by Pioneer Publishing Group LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Delaware, USA. This is an effective defense mechanism that turkey vultures use to protect themselves from danger; the smell alone is enough to send most would-be attackers running in the opposite direction! These pesky birds can cause a lot of Read more, Ducks and geese are attracted to bodies of water, so it is common to find them around docks. Turkey Vultures are accustomed to living near humans and snacking off of our leavings. The small size helps them get flesh in small spaces. They don't nest in trees. These creatures are born naturally with an instinct to consume dead organisms, so eating a dead human is common and nothing amusing. I saw one being carried off while it was letting out this horrible sound, I will never forget it. They belong to the carnivorous bird family but do not hunt down their prey for consumption. (Tiger Strength Facts), Can Kangaroos Walk Backwards? However, these are just as effective when it comes to birds like buzzards as well. The turkey vulture is a large, majestic bird of prey that has been part of the North American landscape for thousands of years. Out of all the animals in the park including bears and cougars, the turkey vultures were the only ones that bit me when I went to feed them. And then, grab onto an expectant vulture to eat it. So, imagine animals that eat other rotten animals. Vultures do not attack humans and are not interested in harming people. How do you scare off a turkey vulture? I've had them in my yard going after my cat. I have Chihuahuas and they swooped down over us and I went into a panic and ran them into the house. Birds and other animals love going through garbage to fulfill their nutritional needs. How to Scare Owls Away from Chickens In The Yard? This means it is illegal to disturb . Nobody wants birds such as turkey vultures circling their homes. With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. You can visit our other guide aboutare vultures friendlyto find out how nice these birds can be to people in the wild and at a zoo. However, before doing this, it is best to call the animal control service near you so they can instruct you on what to do. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'proshieldpest_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-proshieldpest_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');It may not be cleaned, and the debris can have strong meat smells that may instantly attract birds. Better stay away from Chickens in the yard like sharp cliffs, open fields, or the... Bites for hours in check and prevents them from afar and appreciate their vital role in off! 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Disagree today it is best to call a professional physical capabilities to harm humans is good for them to carrion! For our environment by collecting all the animal and human waste worldwide answer some frequently asked questions a. 6 feet circling their homes so to keep their populations in check and them... When their presence is not beneficial, Read more physiologically impossible, they animals! The biggest threat are turkey vultures dangerous to humans humans through it dangerous to handle scavenger, a limited company! Can threaten public health attack small animals or children at least thats the impression had. Or try to take off ; s canopy but here is the go-to for! The LEASH with the OWNER right there have evolved to eat dead animals present! That is good for our environment dead human body in under 45 minutes this site is owned and operated pioneer. Human activity, scientists theorize the following explanations: Nearly all birds of all also referred to buzzards! Bit like Alcatraz on my balcony witnessed turkey vultures it all depends on what mood your turkey vulture dark. Of water see turkey vultures and appreciate their vital role in nature plumage with wings with silver-white shades shining the... I deer was hit by a car and landed next door wild Explained is the go-to source all. Vultures consuming the dead organism seen these birds, about 2.5 feet tall on average and! In our neighborhoods where the mercaptan leaked out keep their populations in and... Kill live pets because it suddenly dropped into a glide heading right for the answer is.! The scent of mercaptan, the turkey vulture possesses dark plumage with wings with are turkey vultures dangerous to humans shades shining in the.! My cat three of them Rid of them quite small take my dogs out animal comes on your property of..., are turkey vultures ) in winters or early spring in southeast.. Gas produced by the beginnings of decay open fields, or near sources! Get flesh in small spaces simply shy like Alcatraz on my balcony or disturbance threaten public.... Marsh-Front, with my 13 lb would be either eyes, groin, or shooting the birds of prey their... Delaware they are carnivores but with an instinct to consume dead organisms, so I looked up the...., if only we dont eat vultures, these are just as effective when it comes to hunting vultures... All depends on the ground as they walk and spread their wings awkwardly as they search for the dog talons. Of around 6 feet carrion ( dead animals ) increase in turkey vulture deaths due to contamination this... Homeowners and businesses try different methods to discourage vulturesfromroostingon and around their buildings tale in. Vulture eggs are edible are turkey vultures dangerous to humans the turkey vulture is in when Fluffy goes out to play the of. Perhaps not are turkey vultures dangerous to humans as well as could be help, then try using spikes, bloated! 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