Ravens may be spared after all

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is holstering a plan to shoot ravens plaguing the Colburn waste collection site.

Bonner County Public Works Director Leslie Marshall said the county is purchasing an ultrasonic bird repeller to run off ravens that are picking at trash and causing a mess at the site.

“We’re going to buy one, try it and see if it works,” Marshall said of the Bird-X device.

The Bird-X setup costs about $700, but Marshall said it could be a good long-term, non-lethal raven countermeasure.

The county obtained a permit from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game to shoot up to 10 ravens, although Marshall has said its doubtful that many birds would have to be killed. The county has in the past displayed dead ravens at Colburn, which proved effective in warding off other ravens.

Several residents in the community have objected to shooting the birds.

If the ultrasonic device is ineffective, Marshall said the county may shoot the birds as a last resort.

“We’re going to try this first, but I do have the permit and it’s good until Aug. 1,” said Marshall.