Boston mass transit authorities flap around for solution to pigeon menace

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Published: 2026-10-02T18:31:14.765Z • Permanent link

Boston's mass transit authorities are now wrestling with the issue of pigeons infesting their subway system, with a particular focus on finding a humane and effective solution. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has long struggled with the problem, but recent efforts have highlighted the need for a coordinated approach. According to sources within the agency, the MBTA has been considering various options, including deploying trained falcons to control the pigeon population.

According to a report by the Boston Globe, the MBTA has partnered with local wildlife experts to explore the use of trained falcons to deter pigeons from roosting on subway platforms. The idea is to train the falcons to target specific areas where pigeons are most prevalent, using a combination of visual cues and vocalizations to scare them away. While the approach has garnered attention, some experts have expressed skepticism about its effectiveness, citing concerns about the potential impact on local wildlife populations.

MBTA officials have been tight-lipped about the specifics of their plans, but sources close to the negotiations suggest that the agency is keen to explore alternative solutions that do not involve lethal control methods. In a statement released earlier this week, an MBTA spokesperson emphasized the agency's commitment to finding a humane solution, saying "we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our passengers, while also preserving the natural beauty of our city.

The MBTA's efforts to address the pigeon problem have significant implications for the wider research community, which has long been interested in the intersection of urban wildlife management and public health. Studies have shown that pigeons can carry diseases such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected droppings. As such, the MBTA's efforts to control the pigeon population have the potential to impact not just passengers, but also local researchers and scientists who study urban wildlife.

Furthermore, the MBTA's approach to addressing the pigeon problem has broader implications for urban planning and policy. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of managing urban wildlife, the MBTA's efforts to find a humane solution to the pigeon problem offer valuable lessons for policymakers and urban planners. By prioritizing non-lethal control methods and engaging with local wildlife experts, the MBTA is setting a precedent for cities to adopt more compassionate and effective approaches to managing urban wildlife.

The MBTA's efforts to address the pigeon problem are part of a larger pattern of urban wildlife management initiatives that have been gaining traction in recent years. Cities across the United States and Europe have been experimenting with a range of approaches, from using bird-repellent balloons to deploying trained falcons to control pigeon populations. While some approaches have shown promise, others have been met with criticism from animal welfare groups and local residents.