Snowy Owls relocated from Airport

Most of us love wildlife don't we?

Owls in particular are often especially appealing.

However according to reports in thestar.com an 'invasion' of Snowy Owls at Toronto's Pearson International Airport is a major cause for concern.

While modern aircraft engines are designed to cope with ingesting any unfortunate small birds that are in their path, a fully grown Snowy Owl may be more than the turbines can cope with causing a major threat to passenger safety.Most years there are approximately 6000 bird strikes in the USA and 1500 in Canada.

Teams of wildlife officers regularly patrol the airfields using noise to discourage the owls from settling but not all of the birds respond.

Specialist firms are used by the airport to trap the remaining owls, and after recording their details they are carefully re-located up to 70km away.

Glad to hear that airports are taking their responsibilities to both their passengers and the local wildlife so seriously.