Kraków, a popular tourist destination in Poland, is set to initiate a pilot program aimed at controlling its burgeoning pigeon population. This initiative comes in response to growing complaints from residents regarding the mess caused by the birds, which not only foul the sidewalks and buildings but also pose a risk to the city's infrastructure. Pigeons are often regarded as one of the city’s symbols, yet their presence has increasingly become a nuisance for locals.

The program will involve placing specially designed feeders in areas where pigeons congregate, dispensing bird feed treated with contraceptives. According to local authorities, this method is deemed safe for human health, addressing concerns over the use of chemicals or other potentially harmful interventions. The decision to adopt this approach highlights a growing trend among European cities that have experimented with similar programs to keep urban bird populations in check without resorting to invasive measures.

As Kraków moves forward with this initiative, it reflects a balance between preserving the cultural significance of pigeons to the city while also responding to the practical needs of its residents. If successful, it could not only mitigate the issues caused by excessive pigeon populations but also pave the way for other cities facing similar challenges to consider non-lethal solutions for wildlife management.