Crow Hazing Contract Rejection
Summary
The council unanimously rejected a $13,000 USDA contract to haze crows downtown. Members said residents opposed it, the USDA rep admitted there's no public health crisis, and hazing just moves the birds elsewhere. Alternatives raised include better street cleaning and embracing the roost like Austin does its bats.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 4
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Oct 22, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Would have cost about $13,000 in city funds; now $0.
Taxpayers keep $13,000, and crow enthusiasts and noise-sensitive residents avoid loud hazing equipment downtown.
Downtown residents and business owners dealing with crow droppings will not get the mitigation they sought.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council (Regular) - Nov 5, 2026
The council unanimously rejected a $13,000 USDA contract to haze crows downtown. Members said residents opposed it, the USDA rep admitted there's no public health crisis, and hazing just moves the birds elsewhere. Alternatives raised include better street cleaning and embracing the roost like Austin does its bats.
City Council - Oct 29, 2026
Troy winters have drawn roosts of up to 15,000 crows that blanket downtown in droppings, hurting businesses and school events. The proposed USDA agreement would use non-lethal harassment (lasers, distress calls, screamer shellfire) over five nights each winter. Some residents worry about the noise, and council members are weighing whether it's needed before deciding.
City Council (Special) - Oct 22, 2026
The city will rehire USDA wildlife biologists to haze thousands of crows out of downtown roosts using lights, lasers, distress calls, and pyrotechnics from October through December. Council members asked for more resident input, noting some constituents find the noise disruptive.
City Council - Oct 22, 2026
The city was to authorize a contract with the USDA for wildlife management services — likely dealing with nuisance wildlife on city property.
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