CAMPUS BEGINS CROW RELOCATION MEASURES

Posted on January 4, 2013

UPDATE: Jan. 6, 2013

Technicians will begin using noisemakers, in addition to bright lights and a plant-based mist, to encourage large flocks of crows to leave the campus grounds. The "flash-bang" noisemakers typically will be used beginning at dusk and during the next two or three hours, as needed.

Original announcement:

The return of wintry weather has brought large flocks of crows back to Cal U, and the University again will be taking action to relocate the messy birds.

Once again, technicians will use bright lights and/or a natural, plant-based “fog” to disperse the flocks. These tactics typically are deployed beginning at dusk and continuing for two or three hours as needed. 

The laser lights and natural grape-extract mist are not harmful to humans or other animals. These humane measures are intended to move the birds from campus and alleviate the unpleasant and unsanitary conditions they create.

Specific locations for the anti-roosting measures will be based on the birds’ roosting and activity patterns. Once crows have identified a winter roosting site, it is typical for them to return to the area year after year.

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.

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.”