Wichita Falls Braces for Return of Pesky Egrets

Leaders of a North Texas city have warned about the expected return of pesky egrets after a 2013 bird strike brought down a military jet.

A statement from the City of Wichita Falls said "noisy, messy" cattle egrets are likely to return in the next few weeks.

Wichita Falls leaders on Monday urged residents to make noise to scare away the foot-tall creatures or contact city officials to help amid health and aviation concerns.

Investigators at Sheppard Air Force Base determined a cattle egret strike last July caused an $8 million training jet to crash. Two pilots suffered minor injuries when they ejected.

Wichita Falls officials on Tuesday didn't immediately provide details on efforts to scare off cattle egrets, which can carry mites and make a mess with droppings.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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