Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

Pigeons Found Trapped In Glue-Type Substance

Wildlife Rehabilitationist Suggests More Humane Methods To Shoo Birds

POSTED: Tuesday, August 17, 2004
UPDATED: 8:29 pm EDT August 17, 2004

Some traps set outside a Washtenaw County business to get rid of a pigeon problem reportedly received some criticism from animal officials.

Three birds were found covered in a sticky substance in the area of Golfside Road and Washtenaw Avenue.
Video

Carol Akerlof, a certified wildlife rehabilitationist who lives in Ann Arbor, believes the pigeons were caught in glue traps set outside a Citizens Bank in Ypsilanti Township, according to The Ann Arbor News.

Three birds were given to Akerlof over the weekend. She showed the paper one of the birds, which was reportedly covered in a sticky, glue-type substance that nearly made it immobile.

Eric Davidson, an animal welfare officer with the Humane Society of Huron Valley, told the paper he's never encountered that kind of substance in his 8 ½ years with the Humane Society.

Akerlof told the paper there are much better, more humane methods to shoo away the birds.

She said ledges on buildings should be built at a 45-degree angle to deter pigeons from roosting on them. For existing buildings, she advises buying metal spikes and setting them up on ledges and roofs to repel pigeons, the paper reported.

Akerlof told the paper that with the glue traps, the pigeons either starve to death or are helpless to attacks from predators. She added that the traps could also trap other animals.

Officials at the Citizens Bank told Local 4 they had a problem with pigeons crowding around their entrance, so they called a pest control company. The bank said they never intended for any bird to get hurt.

"They were horrified, too. They didn't know. They just figured somebody was going to do something to their roof so the pigeons wouldn't land there anymore. As soon as we told them what the problem was, they cooperated fully," said Sherry Silk, of the Huron Valley Humane Society.

The pest control company returned on Tuesday to replace the sticky traps with a safer deterrent -- a mesh netting placed at a 45-degree.

Hot Topics

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out which triggers are under your control. The answers could prevent migraines, and keep you off the sidelines. More

Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Now more than ever, job security is priority number one with most job seekers. Here are 10 jobs with great job security that employers are actually struggling to fill. More

Diabetics are now finding new ways to connect better. Get your supplies consultation and join the largest diabetes community! More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?