HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-25 Public Comment - R. Horne - Feral Pigeon Infestation August 11, 2025
City of Bozeman
Mayor and City Commissioners
Parks&Recreation/Public Health Department
415 N. Bozeman Avenue
Bozeman, Montana 59715
Dear Mayor,Members of the City Commission and Public Health Officials:
I write as a concerned property owner regarding the growing feral pigeon infestation within
city limits and the increasing public-health risks that accompany it.The scale of the problem
appears to be reaching crisis levels.
Buildings throughout our neighborhood are experiencing an infestation of pigeons,with
feces on public and private balconies and nesting throughout the neighborhood.
Health Risks:
Pigeons have been documented to carry up to 60 human-pathogenic organisms, including
bacteria, fungi,viruses,protozoa,and parasites,though only a handful are routinely
transmitted to humans. Of particular concern are:
-Psittacosis (Ornithosis),caused by Chlamydia psittaci,transmitted via inhalation of dried
droppings or dust.
-Cryptococcosis, a systemic fungal infection from Cryptococcus neoformans in droppings.
- Histoplasmosis, caused by Histoplasma capsulatum,contracted by inhaling spores from
long-accumulated droppings.
- Salmonellosis,transmitted via pigeon feces contaminating surfaces and air.
-Yersiniosis,transmitted via Yersinia enterocolitica from feces.
-Avian tuberculosis,Campylobacterosis, Listeriosis, Erysipeloid, and others.
-Avian mites and lice,including Dermanyssus gallinae,which can infest homes and bite
humans.
Pigeon reproductive capacity:
Feral pigeons breed rapidly.A mated pair can raise 4-6 broods per year, each brood
typically consisting of 2 eggs. Eggs hatch in approximately 17-19 days,and squabs mature
in 6-8 weeks to reproductive age.This means a single pair can produce 10-12 offspring
annually,and those offspring can breed again in just a couple of months.
Currently property owners have very limited options for eliminating these pigeons based
on local regulations. Pellet guns,loud noise deterrents,and similar methods may not be
permitted or are restricted.Trapping,when affordable,is often costly and limited in
effectiveness—especially when neighboring properties take no action.Trapped birds are
simply replaced by newcomers displaced from other roosts.
Requests to the city:
Given these challenges, I respectfully request that the City of Bozeman consider
coordinated,citywide assistance and policies,such as:
1. Public-health risk assessments and clear guidance for safe clean-up of droppings.
2. Cost-sharing or subsidies for humane pigeon management.
3. Permitted deterrent programs such as approved noise or visual deterrents. Airsoft guns
or pellet guns should be considered as viable deterrent options
4. Mandatory roost exclusion enforcement.
S. Education campaigns to inform residents that partial mitigation is ineffective unless
adopted community-wide.
6. Pilot programs such as pigeon contraceptive feed or installing nest removal services in
hotspots.
Conclusion:
Without a comprehensive and coordinated municipal approach,individual owners are left
bearing the cost and liability alone while pigeon populations continue to expand,posing
increasing health risks. I urge you to evaluate what legal,public-health, and financial
resources the city could mobilize to assist in reducing pigeon numbers and disease risks.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent and growing concern. I would welcome to show
you firsthand the problem and can arrange a tour to show the magnitude of the problem.
Sincerely,
r -
d
Robert Horne
111 West Lamme,Suite 101
Bozeman, MT 59715