Vultures: Disposers of Death

Learn about one of nature's unsung superheroes, their amazing contributions to our ecosystems, and how saving vultures means saving a lot more than you might think.

They may not be cute and cuddly, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in recycling superpowers. This title from our Nature's (Secret) Superheroes series delves into the powerful effect vultures have on their environment. From preventing the spread of diseases to reducing greenhouse gases, learn how these underappreciated and often misunderstood environmental superheroes work to keep their ecosystems going strong. Did you know:

• Vultures can glide on warm air currents for hours, some reaching heights of 35,000 feet!
• Vultures defend themselves by throwing up, vomiting harsh stomach acid to keep threatening animals away
• Most vultures have bald heads to help them stay clean when they stick their heads deep into a carcass to eat
• By eating animal carcasses, vultures prevent as much greenhouse gases emissions as taking 3 million cars off the road!

The Nature's (Secret) Superheroes series--covering bats, native bees, beavers, elephants, freshwater mussels, and vultures--follows a fun superhero theme, featuring each animal's origin story, how it saves the day, and its nemeses. Each book also includes activities that allow readers to gain hands-on knowledge about these animals.