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| Downtown Crows Still "Caw-sing" Problems |
FIRST REPORTED 3:00pm 2/8/13 The City of Galesburg is continuing plans to move some noisy, aerial pests out of downtown.
Last March, representatives of the Fish and Wildlife Reserve recommended a few methods for eliminating crows from Galesburg City limits.
Using lasers, distress calls, and shiny tape were all stated as being effective for eradicating the birds and the diseases that go along with them.
City Management held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss potential ways to put those methods to use.
Fifth Ward Alderman Peter Schwartzman says he's aware of past plans, but isn't familiar with their details.
"I've heard from several residents who live within a block of [City Hall] and they are very unnerved by the continued presence of the crows," says Schwartzman. "One elderly lady was almost in tears telling me how much she has to take her car to get washed and how she can't afford it."
The item was brought up at Monday's City Council meeting after residents complained about their cars being assaulted with droppings.
The Galesburg Police department has unofficially been handling the problem.
Public Works Director Larry Cox tells WGIL that everybody's first thought is to shoot the birds.
"They are a protected species. There is a hunting season on crows so it's not something that you can go out and shoot them whenever you want to," says Cox. "Other communities face the same type of situations we've had and I think it's pretty well documented that you can't shoot enough of them to make a difference in the overall population."
Galesburg has tried eliminating the crows in the past, but has observantly been unsuccessful in preventing recurring incidents.
According to the City, crows are clever - with the ability to count up to four and solve basic puzzles. Cox went on to say the crows in Galesburg will see City trucks and vacate the area before methods can be moved to use them. |
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| 02 08 13 by Newsroom |
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