At West Virginia International Yeager Airport (aka ‘CRW’) in Charleston, two Border Collies—Hercules and Ned—are redefining airport safety with their unique approach to wildlife management. These canine professionals are part of an innovative, humane strategy to reduce wildlife hazards on the airfield, particularly crucial given the airport’s location atop a mountain, which makes it susceptible to encounters with birds, deer, and foxes.
Hercules and Ned: CRW’s Dynamic Duo
Hercules, a seasoned veteran, has been patrolling CRW for several years. His primary role involves scaring off wildlife that could pose risks to aircraft operations. His efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in wildlife strikes at the airport (down by approximately 70%). Beyond his patrol duties, Hercules has become a local celebrity, often bringing smiles to travelers and maintaining an active presence on social media through his dedicated Instagram page.
In 2024, Hercules welcomed a new partner, Ned, a three-year-old Border Collie with a background in herding goats and geese. Under Hercules’ mentorship, Ned is quickly adapting to his new role, patrolling five to seven miles daily, regardless of weather conditions. Together, they form a formidable team, ensuring the safety of both wildlife and air travelers.
Canine Wildlife Patrols Worldwide
The success of Hercules and Ned is part of a broader, global trend of employing dogs for wildlife management at airports.
- Piper at Cherry Capital Airport, Michigan: Piper, another Border Collie, gained fame for his work in Traverse City, Michigan. He patrolled runways, wearing protective gear, to chase away birds and other wildlife, ensuring safe takeoffs and landings.
- Southwest Florida International Airport: This airport was among the first to utilize Border Collies for wildlife control. The introduction of these dogs led to a dramatic decrease in bird populations on the airfield, enhancing flight safety.
- Cold Lake Air Force Base, Canada: Border Collies were employed to manage deer populations, reducing their numbers on the base from 90 to fewer than 10, thereby mitigating risks to both the herd and aircraft.
Working dogs also play vital roles in conservation and biosecurity efforts worldwide:
- Australia: In Victoria, dogs like Sonny, a Kelpie mix, are trained to detect invasive species, aiding in environmental conservation efforts. These dogs work off-leash, using their keen sense of smell to collect critical data for ecological studies.
- Tasmania: Dogs like Toby, a German short-haired pointer, assist in protecting agriculture by intercepting risky items such as fruits and vegetables at airports and ports, preventing the introduction of pests and diseases.
- Africa: In Tanzania, trained detection and tracking dogs patrol protected areas to deter wildlife crime, including poaching, contributing significantly to conservation efforts.
The Enduring Value of Canine Contributions
The work of Hercules and Ned at Yeager Airport exemplifies the invaluable role that trained dogs play in various sectors, from aviation safety to environmental conservation. Their success stories, alongside those of their global counterparts, highlight the unique capabilities of dogs in tasks that require agility, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. As these programs continue to expand, they offer a compelling model for humane and effective wildlife management strategies worldwide.
