Cold Lake, AB – Council discussed a complaint regarding a community-wide pigeon problem at a special meeting called on Tuesday, July 16.

A concerned resident is appealed to council to investigate and deal with what he perceives is an increase of pigeons in the city, specifically in Cold Lake South, where several pigeons were being spotted on a regular basis. Concerns were raised relating to nuisance, property damage, and community health issues that could potentially be caused by pigeons.

At this time, the City does not have a community-wide pigeon eradication or population control program.

“We live in an area where we coexist with a lot of wildlife,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Pigeons are also being spotted in surrounding farms, so they are not just in our city. There are also some pigeon keepers and breeders in areas just outside the City’s municipal boundaries.”

Following the lead of the city’s skunk removal program, the resident was urging Council deal with the perceived community-wide pigeon problem. The request to council was to provide a pigeon eradication and/or population control program.

“We certainly feel there has been an increase in pigeons over the years,” said Copeland. “We also receive complaints about other birds that people find to be a nuisance such as crows, ravens, and magpies.”

The City also receives queries for municipal programs and services relating to other, smaller wild animals including ants, mice, and squirrels.

Residents encountering a pesky pigeon population can take some steps to try and scare away the birds such as loud noises, flashing lights, windmills, and recordings of bird distress calls. Netting can also be hung on balconies to deter pigeons from landing and roosting. Further information relating to pigeon’s can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/pigeons

Council voted to passively monitor community feedback on persistent pigeon problems in the city before spending money on any specific research studies or nuisance bird population control programs.

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