GRANTSVILLE BATTLES THE PIGEONS

(07/11/2009)

Pigeons perching on store roof ...

... and county courthouse ledge, doing what pigeons do best

The pigeon war is heating up in Grantsville with the town council moving forward with a new ordinance to fine any citizen $100 who feeds the birds.

"They're germ carriers, creating a lot of problems," said councilwoman Katheryn Kerby, who introduced the motion.

Pigeons create serious problems in many urban cities with their droppings, with a growing pigeon population in Grantsville doing likewise, Kerby says.

"They have been pulling up beans in gardens, and have even gotten aggressive at a yard sale."

Several people have complained about droppings on their cars.

Estimates of the town's pigeon flock is about 75 birds.

A dummy owl placed on the courthouse roof has not deterred the perching birds, who seem to hold court on the ledges every day.

Pigeon poop is driving officials crazy in towns, with some putting the birds on birth control to cut down their populations.