Peregrine Falcon, 2 Owls Caught At Pittsburgh International Airport, Safely Relocated Back To The Wild
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Airport workers, the state Game Commission and the USDA teamed up to help relocate some birds found near Pittsburgh International's runways.
Recently, Pittsburgh International Airport's wildlife administrator helped to relocate a peregrine falcon and two short-eared owls.
Recently, our wildlife administrator and @USDA partners relocated a peregrine falcon and two short-eared owls. After tagging these threatened/endangered species, the team carefully released them into suitable habitats away from the airfield. More here: https://t.co/bX4TZeRogB pic.twitter.com/8VeVqTa03E
— Pittsburgh International Airport (@PITairport) January 27, 2021
The falcon is only three-pounds, but experts say it can pose a big threat to a massive airplane. "Bird strikes" can cause serious damage to planes in flight.
Wildlife workers used traps to safely catch the birds.
The birds were then tagged and released back into the wild a safe distance from the airfield.
They believe it is the first time a falcon was caught and released from the airport.
Peregrine falcons are on the state's threatened and endangered species list.