On February 18, the municipality of Kraków announced a pilot program aimed at controlling the pigeon population within the city. The initiative involves providing pigeons with corn seeds that include contraceptive agents. City officials stated that the aim of this program is to enhance the welfare of the birds while maintaining balance in the urban environment. By addressing the overpopulation of pigeons, the city hopes to improve public health and reduce the nuisance associated with these birds.

The control program is set to be conducted in partnership with the Dzikusy Salamandry Foundation, alongside collaboration from scientific institutions and research communities. The program will target specific areas within Kraków where the highest concentrations of pigeons have been identified. The locations selected for feeding will employ specially designed feeding stations, ensuring a controlled environment for the contraceptive delivery.

Officials emphasized that the contraceptive measures are designed to be safe for both humans and other animals, aiming to strike a balance between managing the pigeon population and ensuring public safety. This innovative approach illustrates a growing trend in urban wildlife management, reflecting a shift towards more humane and scientifically-backed methods of population control, ultimately promoting coexistence between city inhabitants and wildlife.