Residents in northern Sioux Falls are in for a unique auditory experience starting this Wednesday. In an effort to enhance aviation safety, local authorities are gearing up to deploy pyrotechnics and sound cannons to keep Canadian geese away from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. This strategic initiative, executed by Sioux Falls Animal Control, is set to reverberate through the serene South Dakota landscape, marking a significant intervention to protect the area’s air transportation.
The Big Sioux River meanders gracefully through South Dakota, serving as a natural attraction for Canadian geese during their migratory journey southward. This picturesque river, while quintessential to the state’s geographical and ecological identity, sits adjacent to the bustling Sioux Falls Regional Airport. The proximity of these two landmarks, both crucial to the region’s infrastructure and natural heritage, is at the heart of the current initiative.
Geese, majestic as they might appear, pose a significant threat to aircraft. The potential risk of geese striking airplane windshields or being drawn into engines can lead to catastrophic consequences, endangering lives and causing substantial financial damage. The initiative led by Sioux Falls Animal Control involves the utilization of pyrotechnics and sound cannons, which are humane methods that effectively deter these feathered visitors without posing a hazard to nearby residents.
The sound cannons, which will only resound during daylight hours, have been strategically planned to focus on key locations such as the quarry ponds located to the east of the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds, the Elmwood Golf Course, and the household hazardous waste facility. These areas have been identified as particularly attractive to geese, necessitating concentrated efforts to ensure the safety and efficiency of airport operations.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport
Sioux Falls, nestled in the heart of South Dakota, hosts a vibrant community that values its natural beauty and seamless connectivity. With the Big Sioux River nourishing the land and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport facilitating seamless travel, both serve as keystones in the state’s socio-economic canvas. South Dakotans are known for their profound respect for nature and pragmatism when it comes to cohabitating with wildlife. Solutions like these reflect the community’s innovative spirit and commitment to sustainable co-existence.
“The use of pyrotechnics and sound cannons is a well-considered approach to addressing our unique challenges here in Sioux Falls,” said a local animal control official. “This method is humane and firmly aligned with our community’s values, posing no danger to the public.” This sentiment echoes throughout South Dakota, where initiatives often balance community safety with ecological preservation.
South Dakota’s diverse wildlife and scenic environments attract nature enthusiasts and wildlife experts alike. The Big Sioux River, in particular, is a cherished landmark, serving not only as a migratory pathway for geese but also as a recreational outlet and a symbol of natural heritage. The effort to manage geese populations near the Sioux Falls Regional Airport is indicative of the state’s broader commitment to ensuring that both its people and wildlife thrive together.
The initiative is a testament to the community-driven ethos of Sioux Falls and the larger South Dakota region. As the effort rolls out, residents are encouraged to participate in this collective endeavor by understanding the necessity and benefits of such measures. It’s an opportunity for the people of South Dakota to come together, blending technological innovation with environmental stewardship.
As the booms echo across the landscape, they carry more than the sound of safety interventions—they resonate with a commitment to maintaining harmony between modern infrastructure and the natural world. South Dakota, with its history of adaptability and respect for nature, exemplifies how thoughtful innovation can mitigate challenges unique to its setting, ensuring a prosperous future for all its inhabitants.