Low-Powered Lasers:

Another Nonlethal

Tool for Resolving

Wildlife Damage 

Each year Wildlife Services (WS), a program within

the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and

Plant Health Inspection Service, disperses several

million birds because of safety, health, and property

damage concerns. To successfully disperse large

numbers of birds, WS employs a combination of nonlethal measures, including the use of pyrotechnics,

sound cannons, and other noisemakers. While these

measures are effective, WS is constantly researching

new means for resolving wildlife damage in order to

give program specialists more options for addressing

wildlife conflicts.

The latest tool in WS’ toolbox of resources is the

low-powered laser, effective in dispersing a variety of

bird species. Researchers at WS’ National Wildlife

Research Center (NWRC) have demonstrated the

usefulness of lasers in dispersing birds in a number

of different environments.

How the Laser Works

The low-powered laser is most effective before

dawn or after dusk when the red beam of the laser is

clearly visible. Bright sunlight will “wash out” the

laser light rendering it ineffective. Although

researchers are not sure if birds see the same red

spot as people, it is clear that certain bird species

elicit an avoidance response in reaction to the laser.

The birds view the light as a physical object or predator coming toward them and generally fly away to

escape. Research, however, has shown that the

effectiveness of low-powered lasers varies depending

on the bird species and the context of the application.

The idea of using lasers to disperse birds originated in Europe, but researchers at NWRC were the

first to test the concept and develop it into an actual

tool for managing wildlife damage. WS researchers

focused their efforts on low-powered lasers making

safety a priority. At higher levels, lasers can burn tissue, causing injury to people and animals. WS’ goal

is to safely and effectively disperse birds without putting them or people in harm’s way.

As a result of WS’ research, and in collaboration

with NWRC scientists, a low-powered laser called the

Avian Dissuader was developed by Science and

Engineering Associates Inc., for use in dispersing

problem birds. The laser resembles a radar gun used

by police to catch speeders. The design enables WS

specialists to quickly aim the laser at a roost or cluster of birds to move them from a specific area.

Relocating Avian Species

Although WS’ initial research with the laser was

intended to evaluate how the technology could be

applied and which avian species would respond, program specialists have since expanded the number of

species known to respond to the laser beam. WS

specialists attempting to relocate waterfowl, such as

ducks and geese, have found great success using

low-powered lasers. Increasingly, this new tool is

being used to help disperse overabundant waterfowl

populations in urban and suburban areas across the

United States. Long-legged wading birds, like great

blue herons, have also been successfully dispersed

using low-powered laser light. This discovery is

especially important to aquaculture producers

because it gives them another nonlethal tool for combating the heron, the double-crested cormorant, and

other fish-eating birds.

In addition to these successes, low-powered

lasers have proven effective against crows, gulls at

landfills, and vultures. In Hawaii they have been tested as a potential means for moving endangered

species out of industrial areas and airports where

their foraging activities put the birds themselves at

risk and pose a safety threat to air traffic.

At the same time, WS specialists have found that

blackbirds, starlings, and pigeons generally don’t

respond to low-powered lasers. The reason for this

distinction in response is likely due to the very different eye structure of bird species active at night or in

low-light situations. Because these species are

active during the day, traditional means of dispersal

are still most effective with these species.

Future Developments

As new conflicts arise, WS specialists will continue to test the effectiveness of low-powered lasers in

a variety of settings with different avian species.

These field tests likely will lead to even more uses for

this new nonlethal tool. Although low-powered lasers

can be effective when used in combination with other

nonlethal methods, they should not be considered a

cure-all. As with any nonlethal measure, once

enforcement stops, problem birds can return to cause

conflict again. In certain situations, nonlethal management efforts must be continuous to have the

desired impact.

Factsheet

Wildlife Services July 2002

APHIS
In addition to using low-powered lasers to disperse birds, WS researchers are looking at the effectiveness of using lasers to disperse overabundant

white-tailed deer populations in urban and suburban

areas. WS researchers are also investigating different

colors or light wavelengths that might be more effective than the red beam currently in use. This research

could lead to even more applications for managing

wildlife damage with low-powered lasers.

Additional Information

To obtain more information about low-powered

lasers and WS programs, call the WS Operational

Support Staff at (301) 734-7921. You can also visit

the WS Web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws.

United States Department of Agriculture • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Safeguarding American Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination

in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national

origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to

all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative

means for communication of program information (Braille, large

print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at

(202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of

Civil Rights, Room 326–W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call (202) 720–5964

(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and

employer.