City and state officials are working together to reduce the number of geese around the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
Sioux Falls Animal Control and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department will begin using sound cannons and pyrotechnics on areas around the airport beginning Wednesday. Airport staff will also use sound cannons on airport property.
The goal of the program is to reduce the number of geese flying in and out of those areas, making it safer for airplanes.
According to animal control, the city sees more Canada geese during the winter as ponds and lakes in the area freeze over. Parts of the Big Sioux River remain open throughout the winter, attracting birds to the area.
Airplanes can be damaged by flying geese striking windshields or being sucked into engines. Officials say sound cannons are a humane way of scaring geese away.
The cannons do not use projectiles. The city says they will not be used at night.