Fowl Odor Causes Stink in Comanche

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

COMANCHE, Oklahoma -- Comanche city leaders are attempting to get rid of thousands of egrets that have invaded the city. To make matters worse, the migratory birds are protected by the multinational Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"This became an issue about three weeks ago", said Comanche City Manager Brant Ball. "The birds nested a stayed in trees near a business community with a medical facility, a grocery store and a restaurant."

The biggest problem is the droppings left behind from the birds.

"It's the most putrid smell you can imagine," said Ball. Along with the odor, city leaders say the bacteria from the droppings are a health hazard for the community.

To help drive the birds out of the town, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave the city a permit to cut down the trees near the business community, which resulted in the egrets moving to a nearby neighborhood.

"A few days after that they just kept coming and coming and coming," said Comanche resident Donna Burdon.

The feds have given the city one more permit, and its last, to cut down the trees near the residential homes.

"We're all sitting here with a little bit of anxiety about this second permit," said Ball.

The work will begin on Friday, but if it doesn't work, Ball said the city may be out of luck.