Low Flying Aircraft: An Advisory to Western New York Residents

We have reached that point of the summer when Erie County reminds residents that aircraft will be used to drop rabies vaccine baits across the area.

Have you seen any animals acting strangely in your backyard this summer?

Recently, rabies became a hot topic in the Niagara County area after a couple of bats tested positive for the disease. Rabies is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can affect both animals and humans.

Related: New York State Warns About Feeding Deer Apples

If you ever see an animal acting strangely, aggressively, or appearing sick, stay away from it and do not attempt to approach or handle it.

It is also important to avoid feeding wildlife in your backyard. While animals may look cute, they can carry diseases that could potentially affect people and other wildlife. Feeding wildlife can also cause animals to congregate in the same areas, increasing the chances of disease spreading.

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Erie County Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop

This week, the Erie County Department of Health will be using aircraft to distribute rabies vaccine baits throughout parts of the area.

If you find one of the vaccine baits, officials advise that you do not touch it. The bait is designed to be attractive to wildlife and, according to information provided about the program, is made with ingredients including vegetable fats and sugars. If it isn’t picked up by an animal, the bait will eventually dissolve.

The goal of the program is to help reduce the spread of rabies among wildlife populations.

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Don’t Be Alarmed by Low-Flying Aircraft

There is no doubt social media will soon be filled with people wondering about aircraft flying relatively low over their neighborhoods.

"Erie County will see distribution of rabies vaccine bait by air and on the ground in August and September. These activities will start on August 12, with fixed wing airplane dropping bait over rural areas through August 21, and Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) staff placing bait on the ground through August 24. [Schedule dependent on weather.] Helicopters will cover suburban areas from September 14-19".

If you see an aircraft involved in this effort, it is likely part of the rabies vaccine bait distribution program. While seeing an aircraft flying low may seem unusual, the program is designed to help protect wildlife and the public from rabies.

As we get closer to the end of summer, cooler evenings and the approaching fall season can also bring changes in wildlife behavior.

If you see an animal acting aggressively, appearing sick, or behaving unusually, do not approach it or try to handle it yourself. Contact local wildlife authorities or police so the situation can be properly evaluated.

The best thing you can do is give wildlife plenty of space and allow trained professionals to determine whether an animal needs to be removed or simply needs time to move out of the area.