NOISEMAKERS ADDED TO CROW DISPERSAL PLAN

Posted on December 14, 2011

UPDATE: Dec. 19, 2011: NOISEMAKERS ADDED TO CROW DISPERSAL PLAN

Beginning at dusk on Dec. 19, noisemakers called ‘bangers’ and ‘screamers’ will be used to disperse the flocks of crows roosting in large numbers on the campus. Trained technicians also will continue to use bright lights and a natural, plant-based mist to encourage the stubborn crows to relocate. The noisemakers, which sound a bit like fireworks, have been added to the program because the crows have been slow to disperse.

Original story:

They’re back.

So beginning Dec. 14, Cal U again is taking action to relocate large flocks of roosting crows.

The humane measures are intended to move the birds from campus and alleviate the unpleasant and unsanitary conditions created by large, roosting flocks.

The crow dispersal program has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will be carried out by trained and licensed pest removal technicians. 

Technicians will use bright lights and/or a natural, plant-based “fog” to disperse the flocks. They plan to employ these tactics beginning at dusk and continuing for two or three hours as needed.

Specific campus locations will be based on the birds’ roosting patterns and campus activities.

The laser lights and natural grape-extract mist are not harmful to humans or other animals.

The anti-roosting measures do not harm the crows; they simply change their roosting habits and encourage them to relocate.

University Police are aware of the crow dispersal program, which will be monitored by Physical Plant and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.  Please call 724-938-4299 with questions or concerns. 

The USDA-approved crow dispersal program is used annually on the grounds of the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. For answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.dgs.state.pa.us and click on “Property and Asset Management” in the left-hand column, then search for “Crow Dispersal Program.”