Hercules and Ned, two border collies, play an indispensable role at West Virginia International Yeager Airport by helping to prevent dangerous collisions between wildlife and airplanes. At this airport, which sits on a mountain in Charleston, the dogs, along with their handler, patrol the mile-long airfield daily to scare away birds and other animals that might threaten flights. Wildlife strikes at U.S. airports are a significant concern, with around 19,000 incidents reported in 2023 alone, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most involve birds, which can cause serious damage, delay flights, and in some cases, lead to fatalities. In response to these risks, the airport acquired Hercules in 2018 based on a wildlife biologist’s advice. The dog had previously trained for 18 months in North Carolina to herd geese and sheep, making him well-prepared for the role.

Hercules’s success has turned him into a local celebrity, gaining attention on social media and welcoming visitors in the terminal. Recently, another dog named Ned joined the team, trained in a similar way to herd goats and geese. Together, they patrol the field while staying in contact with air traffic control for any reports of wildlife. Their presence helps reduce delays and ensure smooth operations at the airport. The use of border collies in aviation is a unique strategy, as the dogs’ herding instinct allows them to chase birds away without harming them. Experts agree that their work is vital to aviation safety, as seen in past incidents like the 2009 bird strike that forced a plane to land in the Hudson River.