PRESS RELEASE

January 7, 2013 For Immediate Release Contact: Elliott B. Nelson, Assistant to the City Manager CROW HAZING TO CONTINUE JANUARY 8 AND 9 Last week, Wildlife Biologists with Loomacres Wildlife Management conducted several nights of crow hazing at the request of the City. Loomacres efforts to disperse the estimated 30,000 crows from their roosts in the City has been successful as the biologists were able to disrupt roosting patterns and successfully reduced the number of crows roosting in the City. As predicted, some crows will return to the City on a nightly basis. To combat this, Loomacres Wildlife Management will be continuing to conduct crow dispersal activities aimed at reducing the winter crow roost within the City. The Loomacres team have scheduled two nights of crow hazing activities beginning January 8th and concluding January 9th. Control methods will be employed throughout the City from dusk until dawn during this time period. Loomacres trained wildlife biologists will disperse crows from their roosts during the two-night period by utilizing special remote controlled aircraft, playing distress calls, firing low-yield pyrotechnics (screamers and bangers), using handheld lasers and limited lethal means if deemed appropriate by the City. These techniques should cause the crows to relocate to an alternative, more suitable roosting site outside the City and reduce the human health and safety risks associated with an urban crow roost. Citizens are still encouraged to continue to provide the location, estimated size, and dates and times of sightings of the crow flock. Loomacres Wildlife Management will continue to use this information as they work to move the crow flock out of the City during the coming months. The toll-free phone number to report crow activates within the City of Watertown is 1-800-243-1462. To report crow activities on-line, go to www.airportwildlife.com/crows.php For further information or questions, please contact the City Managers Office at (315) 785-7730.