Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex.
Pennsylvania will launch its annual crow dispersal program next week, marking its yearly effort to avoid damage inflicted by crow droppings to the State Capitol building’s historic structure.
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services announced Friday that Harrisburg-area visitors may hear exploding shells and whistling devices, deployed to scare off crows, beginning on Monday, Nov. 10.
The program will continue through the next few months, between 5 to 7 p.m., until the crows have been effectively dispersed.
“Our goal each year is to balance the needs of Capitol operations with respect for our community,” said Jason Snyder, deputy secretary for property and asset management. “We want to ensure residents and visitors are aware of the program so they’re not alarmed, while also keeping the grounds safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.”
The Capitol’s crow dispersal efforts also aim to reduce slippery walking conditions that can be caused by accumulated crow droppings on sidewalks at the Capitol complex.
The state Capitol has done a crow dispersal every fall since 1998. The state credits the program with significantly reducing the number of crows roosting at the Capitol.
For more information, visit the Department of General Services’ Crow Dispersal Program website.
