Wildlife Hazard Management – More Than Just a Plan
Wildlife hazards aren’t just about birds getting in the way of aircraft. Consider critters that make their home near your runways, birds that roost in the eaves of tenant-owned hangars and attractants that are off the airport property. The risks they pose to your airport’s operations are real and extend far beyond aircraft damage—they include serious safety threats to personnel, unplanned runway closures, operational delays, and potential regulatory findings that can impact your airport’s certification and credibility.
According to Transport Canada, more than 2000 bird and wildlife strikes are reported annually. That’s five or more per day. Many more go unreported and could have been prevented.
What the Regulations Say
CARs 302.3 mandates a Wildlife Management Plan for certified airports. The plan must identify attractants, outline mitigation strategies, and include training and recordkeeping. But just having a binder on a shelf won’t stop a flock of geese.
What Executives Need to Know
Wildlife control is a safety AND a reputational issue. A single high-profile strike can cause massive operational disruptions, costly damage, and media attention. As an airport leader:
Do you know how often wildlife is spotted?
Are the sightings being tracked, and is action being taken?
Is the Wildlife Plan reviewed annually, or is it stale?
Are your contractors aware of wildlife risks and mitigation protocols?
What Safety Managers Must Prioritize
A good Wildlife Management Plan is active, not static. You should:
Maintain a log of observations and dispersal actions
Analyze patterns (e.g., seasonal hotspots, species trends)
Provide regular training (including tailgate briefings or toolbox talks)
Engage staff in reporting wildlife sightings, no matter how small
What Frontline Workers Should Know
Everyone at the airport has a role to play. Wildlife doesn't just hang out on the runway—sometimes they're under vehicles, in ditches, or around buildings. Workers should:
Report any wildlife presence immediately
Never assume “someone else reported it”
Understand and follow dispersal protocols (only if trained)
Keep eyes open near grassed areas, fencing, ponds, or garbage disposal bins
Using Technology to Improve Wildlife Hazard Response
Modern solutions like Wombat Safety Software allow quick reporting, analysis, and response tracking. Instead of handwritten logs or Excel files tucked in a drawer, Wombat enables:
Real-time logging of sightings and actions
Alerts for repeated species or hotspot areas
Integration with safety reporting and inspection data
Wildlife reporting by non-airport personnel
Identification and analysis of trends
Call to Action: Don't Let Wildlife Catch You Off Guard
Your Wildlife Management Plan should be a living system, not a static document. If your plan hasn’t been updated, your teams aren't reporting regularly, or you don’t know what species you’re up against—now’s the time to act.
Contact us to review your plan, train your team, or modernize your tracking system. Keeping wildlife at bay keeps your airport, passengers, and reputation safe.