How do vultures know when something is dead?

Vultures use several methods to detect carcasses, including:

1. Sight: Vultures have excellent eyesight and can spot a carcass from a great distance. They are particularly drawn to objects that are dark, such as dead animals or carrion.

2. Smell: Vultures have a keen sense of smell and can detect the scent of rotting meat from miles away. They are particularly sensitive to the smell of butyric acid, which is a chemical compound that is produced by the decomposition of animal tissue.

3. Sound: Vultures are often attracted to the sound of other vultures feeding on a carcass. This is because vultures are social animals and they often congregate in large groups to feed on a single carcass.

4. Thermal imaging: Some vultures have the ability to detect heat signatures from a distance. This allows them to find carcasses that are hidden from view or that are located in areas with dense vegetation.

Vultures are also known to follow other animals that feed on carrion, such as hyenas and jackals. These animals often lead vultures to carcasses that they would not have been able to find on their own.