Two border collies, Hercules and Ned, play an important role at West Virginia International Yeager Airport. They help prevent dangerous accidents between wildlife and airplanes. The airport is located on a mountain in Charleston, and the dogs patrol the one-mile airfield every day with their handler. Their job is to scare away birds and other animals that might create risks for flights. Wildlife strikes are a serious problem at U.S. airports, with about 19,000 incidents reported in 2023, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most strikes involve birds, which can damage airplanes, cause delays, and sometimes result in fatalities. The airport got Hercules in 2018 after a wildlife expert recommended using dogs. Hercules had already trained for 18 months in North Carolina, learning to herd geese and sheep, which helped prepare him for his airport job.

Hercules has become well-known in the local community. He is popular on social media and often greets passengers at the terminal. Recently, Ned joined the team. He also trained to herd animals like goats and geese. Together, they patrol the airfield while staying in contact with air traffic control for any wildlife reports. The dogs’ herding instincts help them safely chase away birds without hurting them. Experts say their work is important for flight safety, like in the 2009 incident when a bird strike forced an airplane to land in the Hudson River.