Border Collies Keep Charleston Airport Safe
At West Virginia International Yeager Airport, two border collies named Hercules and Ned work full‑time to keep planes clear of wildlife. They patrol the airfield from early morning until late afternoon, chasing birds and small animals away before flights take off or land. The dogs were hired because of their natural herding instincts and strong endurance in hot and cold weather.
The Growing Threat
Wildlife strikes have escalated over the past decades. The Federal Aviation Administration recorded more than 313,000 incidents between 1990 and 2024, with 22,372 collisions reported in 2024 alone. Since Hercules joined the team in 2018 and Ned followed in 2024, the airport’s reported bird strikes have dropped by more than 70 %. Only one minor incident—a grackle brushing past a plane—has been logged in the last year.
Hercules: A Proven Protector
- Background: Trained at a North Carolina dog‑training center, Hercules previously worked at an airport in Michigan, where he chased over 9,000 birds.
- Current Role: After slowing down with age, the airport brought in Ned to keep the workload steady.
- Living Arrangements: Both dogs live on site in a white kennel area decorated with their pictures and military patches that visitors can buy at the gift shop.
Daily Routine
- Pre‑Sunrise: The handler, a wildlife specialist, feeds them and checks their gear in a small office.
- 7:30 a.m.: The dogs are loaded into an SUV and driven onto the runway.
- Patrol: They run along taxiways, perimeter paths, and the main runway, covering about five miles each day.
- Communication: The handler calls the tower to confirm their presence and monitors weather patterns that might attract birds.
Seasonal Challenges
| Season | Wildlife Threat | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Migratory flocks of crows and starlings | Dogs tackle large groups |
| Summer | Fewer birds; watch for deer and mammals | Continuous vigilance |
| Fall | Raptors like hawks and owls | Added danger layer |
The handler instructs the dogs to lie down when a plane is on the runway, preventing any sudden bird movements.
Beyond Safety: Therapy and Celebrity
- Therapy Animals: They greet passengers at gates, wearing pilot hats and patches.
- Social Media Presence: Their appearances have gathered tens of thousands of followers.
- Merchandise: Plush toys and other items are sold at the airport.
Overall, Hercules and Ned’s presence has made Charleston’s airfield safer while giving travelers a friendly face. Their work demonstrates how animal skills can complement human efforts in aviation safety.
