LASERS AS NON-LETHAL AVIAN REPELLENTS: POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN THE AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT

Authors

Bradley F. Blackwell, USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Glen E. Bernhardt, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center
Jon D. Cepek, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center
Richard A. Dolbeer, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow

Date of this Version

February 2002

Comments

PRESENTED FOR THE 2002 FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CONFERENCE 02/02. Permission to use.

Abstract

Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) indicates that low- to moderate-power, long-wavelength lasers (630- 650 nm) provide an effective means of dispersing some “problem” bird species under low-light conditions, while presenting no threat to the animal or the environment. The NWRC researchers tested the hypothesis that birds would avoid the beam or beam spot produced by a laser in low ambient light. In the format of controlled, replicated, 2-choice experiments with captive birds, Canada geese (Branta canadensis; 6 groups; 4 birds/group) exhibited extreme avoidance of laser beams over 80-minute periods, with 96% of the birds moving to untreated (control) areas. Concurrent work involving the use of lasers against double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) at night roosts resulted in the abandonment of roosts by several thousand birds after 3 nights of treatment. In addition, waterfowl (Anatidae) species (including Canada geese), wading birds (Ardeidae and Threskiornithidae), gulls (Laridae), vultures (Cathartidae), and American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) have exhibited avoidance of the laser beam during field trials, but response is dependent upon context and species. The low power levels, directivity, accuracy over distance, and silence of laser devices make them safe and effective species-specific alternatives to pyrotechnics, shotguns, and other traditional avian dispersal tools. Further, hand-held laser devices and automated, fixed-position laser systems would likely prove a safe and effective enhancement of bird management efforts at airports. Here we 1) review research relating to the use of lasers as avian repellents, 2) discuss the application of laser technology in dispersing birds from the airport environment, and 3) review the laser products designed specifically for bird dispersal.