Campus Life

Office of Physical Plant to resume crow relocation efforts at University Park

Each year, approximately 3,000 migrating crows land on the University Park campus, causing unsanitary and unpleasant conditions. Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant's goal is to discourage this mass roosting and the accompanying sanitation problems. No crows are harmed by the relocation and harassment activities. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's Office of Physical Plant will resume its crow relocation efforts as needed early in the spring semester. OPP crews will be using pyrotechnic bangers and screamers to relocate the crows.

The noise-making activities will occur early in the evening shortly after dusk and may continue for a few hours each night. Specific dates and locations will be determined based on crow roosting patterns and will occur only when needed. All relocation activities will be safely conducted by highly trained and experienced Penn State employees.

OPP plans to continue periodic crow harassment until they leave for the spring. Pressure-washing of sidewalks will commence as soon as the first days of warmer weather arrive.

Approximately 3,000 migrating crows land on the University Park campus each year, causing unsanitary and unpleasant conditions. OPP’s goal is to discourage this mass roosting and the accompanying sanitation problems. No crows are harmed by the relocation and harassment activities.

The campus community can report bothersome crow activity and campus sanitation concerns by contacting OPP.

Last Updated June 18, 2021