University’s PU gators scare away ducks, geese

By Liz White, UT staffHuntsville, Alabama-The University of Alabama at Huntsville is using fake alligator heads to scare ducks and geese from its ponds, and prevent the growing bird population from becoming a health hazard.Manufacturer Bird-X Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, claims its $69 urethane foam Gator Guards float in the water, providing an "environmentally friendly, universal goose repelling solution." The firm-motto "Goose control experts since 1964. Repelling geese is our business"-says the devices are, "Perfect for any water area infested by birds," such as fish farms, golf courses and ornamental ponds. Each life-sized floating replica of an alligator head, is 63 cm long, and will not only repel geese, but also ducks, fish-eating birds such as herons, and small animals-"without spoiling the look of your property," Bird-X claims. The alligator mimics work because they move, the firm says. Gator Guard "bounces all around the pond with the wind and water" and has mirror-back eyes which flash in the sun, Bird-X claims. "