March 12, 2024 |
Photo – Raven – Courtesy All About Birds
Once again, Rawlins officials are preparing to clear out the population of ravens who flock at the city landfill.
Every year, the city of Rawlins must remove the large numbers of ravens that roost at the municipal dump. The birds have been known to carry diseases such as the West Nile Virus. After biting an infected bird, a mosquito could potentially transmit the virus to humans.
Ravens have also been known to attack livestock and other protected species, like Sage Grouse.
Raven droppings may also contain harmful fungi, such as cryptococcosis, which, if left untreated, can lead to a fatal infection of the lungs and brain.
During the March 5th Rawlins city council meeting, City Manager Tom Sarvey said landfill employees are gearing up to begin another raven cull.
When raven populations at the city landfill grow to an unmanageable size, Rawlins officials contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to administer an avicide called DRC-1339. The toxin works by attacking the kidneys of pest birds, such as pigeons, crows, and, in this case, ravens.
According to a USDA study done at the University of Nebraska, DRC-1339 has little to no effect on other bird species or mammals unless consumed in large quantities over a long period of time.
City Manager Sarvey said hundreds of ravens call the Rawlins landfill home. Sarvey said the birds can be hostile toward staff and users of the city dump.
No date has been set for the raven kill off. Sarvey said he will issue a public statement when the raven cull is scheduled.
