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United States: San Francisco subway hires hawk to ward off pigeons

(Reuters) – Subway riders in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, U.S., have seen a one-of-a-kind new station attendant in recent months.

Pac-Man, a 5-year-old Harris falcon, has taken up his post at the El Cerrito del Norte station, and is watching, not for fraudsters, but for pigeons.

Falcon Force falconer and Pac-Man master Ricky Ortiz patrols the station with the bird to keep pigeons at bay and protect users from their droppings.

The duo are present there three days a week, as part of a partnership with the rail transport network that serves the entire San Francisco Bay Area.

“There were probably half as many pigeons present after a week of patrolling,” said Ricky Ortiz.

In order to keep his feathered friend happy at work, the falconer gives him snacks throughout the day to prevent him from feeding on the pigeons or rodents on the spot.

So far, Pac-Man has been a great success with users and station employees who salute his work and do not hesitate to photograph themselves with him.

(Report Nathan Frandino; French version Dina Kartit, edited by Kate Entringer)

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