Crow Dispersal Program Resumes in Downtown Rochester

The City of Rochester is continuing its efforts to disperse a massive crow roost, estimated at 20,000 to 30,000 birds, using pyrotechnics, spotlights, lasers, and distress call recordings.

The program, led by biologists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, follows a previous attempt in January, which faced backlash from animal advocates who argued the methods were inhumane and disruptive. A petition was launched to end the initiative, but city officials maintain that dispersing the crows is necessary to prevent property damage and sanitation issues in the Downtown area.

Officials acknowledged the temporary noise and disturbances and have requested public cooperation as crews implement the dispersal measures. The program begins at dusk on Thursday.

Source: Rochester First