SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Next week you may hear loud noises coming from the Sioux Falls Airport.
Don’t panic. Animal Control is probably just out goose hazing. This happens when ponds start to freeze and geese migrate into the city.
Canada geese are migrating into the Sioux Falls area and causing a safety hazard for airplanes near the airport. On Monday, December 28, 2020, Sioux Falls Animal Control and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks will begin using sound cannons to scare geese from quarry ponds east of the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds and at Elmwood golf course. The goal of this program is to reduce the number of geese flying in and out of the those areas, making it safer for airplanes which may be flying over.
Flying geese can cause damage to airplanes by striking windshields or being sucked into engines. Animal Control has been working with the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, Landscapes Golf Management and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to scare geese from the properties.
People near or driving by the areas should not be alarmed if they hear the sound cannons. There is no danger to the public. The cannons will go off several times during the day and will not be used at night.
Canada geese migrate into Sioux Falls looking for open water as the small ponds and lakes in rural South Dakota freeze over. Portions of the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls remain open throughout the winter. The birds also use nearby food sources such as the harvested crop fields near the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
Sound cannons are a humane method of scaring geese. The cannons are safe and ecologically friendly because no chemicals or poisons are used. The cannon is pressure-regulated to create a sonic blast with no projectiles.
If you have any questions concerning this operation, please call Animal Control at 367-7000.
