BART has an ongoing issue at one of their stations and has decided to fight it in a very unique way.
Pigeons have taken over the El Cerrito Del Norte station, and now Pac-Man the hawk will help keep them away.
Pac-Man is a Harris hawk, known for being more social than other raptors.
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The hawk and his handler have a simple mission -- shrink the number of pigeons hanging out at the train station.
Last month, Pac-Man spent three days a week at the station and the change was dramatic.
"Just after the first couple days after showing up, started noticing a difference right away and it's just been getting lower and lower as we continue," said Ricky Ortiz, Pac-Man's handler.
If you think bringing in the art of ancient falconry is a bit drastic, consider what BART says it has already tried to no avail: bird-repellent spikes, netting, owl statues, weird noises.
Lest you think pigeons are cute, BART reminds us that they are "non-native, non-migratory, and invasive." On top of that, their droppings can carry bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites that can affect humans, the transit agency says.
The plan is to make the pigeons think that the station is now the hawk's territory, in hopes that they will go set up shop somewhere else.
As for Pac-Man, he enjoys the hustle and bustle of a busy station and is not bothered by it, his handler said. Apparently Harris hawks are "mellow," he said.
BART and Ortiz welcome anyone who sees them in the station coming up to say hello and maybe take a selfie. And you probably won't have to worry about something unpleasant landing on your head anymore, too.
This isn't the hawk's first mission. He's been hired by shopping centers, blueberry farmers and vineyard owners.
Bay City News contributed to the report.
