The Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport recently removed an eagle’s nest in the Sand Lake neighborhood. Carrie Olsen, the airport’s wildlife biologist, says the nest was inactive and posed a risk to air traffic. Specifically, it was located within two-thirds of a mile of the nearest runway.
Olsen notes that the airport obtained state and federal permits to remove the nest. The decision was taken after an eagle strike forced an Alaska Airlines flight to return to the runway in December. Consequently, the plane was damaged, and the eagle was euthanized.
The incident has raised concerns among residents. Many are questioning the airport’s decision to remove the nest. Others are worried about the potential impact on the local ecosystem.
Airport officials emphasize that discouraging eagles from nesting near the airport is crucial for human and eagle safety. Moreover, the airport uses various methods to reduce eagle activity, including nonlethal hazing, securing trash, and habitat modification.
The airport’s wildlife management plan is designed to minimize conflicts between eagles and air traffic. The plan includes measures to deter eagles from nesting near the airport. For instance, the airport uses visual deterrents, such as balloons and reflective tape, to scare eagles away.
Residents are concerned about the removal of the nest. Eric Pickens, a neighbor, questions whether the airport will remove other nests in the area. “If this nest caused a problem, the one on the other side of the school is just as close,” Pickens says.
The incident has sparked a debate about wildlife protection and air traffic safety. The airport’s decision to remove the nest has raised questions about the balance between human safety and wildlife conservation.
In addition, the airport’s actions were criticized by some wildlife experts. They argue that the airport’s methods for deterring eagles are ineffective and may even harm the birds.
The Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport’s decision to remove the eagle’s nest has sparked controversy. The Alaska Airlines Eagle Strike Incident has raised concerns about air traffic safety and wildlife protection.
News story originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
