Glendale’s Peafowl Dilemma: A Growing Challenge
The picturesque city of Glendale is grappling with an unusual challenge: a burgeoning population of peafowl. Known for their vibrant plumage and majestic strut, these birds have become a point of contention among residents.
City officials have initiated measures to address the escalating numbers of peacocks that are increasingly venturing beyond their traditional habitat.
The peafowl, originally introduced in the 1930s at the historic Sahuaro Ranch, have multiplied significantly over the years. Glendale City Councilman Bart Turner states, “And from that small start, they have now grown to a flock of somewhere between 130 and 160.” This flock is predicted to expand to around 300 by the fall of 2026.
Councilman Turner highlights the challenges posed by the peafowl’s expansion: “They’ve been expanding out into the neighborhood, particularly into our library next door and into that parking lot and the asphalt. They struggle finding places to build nests, to hatch their young.” This expansion has led to cleanliness and maintenance issues, with Turner stating, “It’s a never-ending battle to keep up with power washing things to keep the library clean and sanitary outside.”
In response, the City Council is evaluating several options to manage the situation. Turner noted, “The one that we decided on is to contract with a company out of California that relocates wildlife into better habitats. They won’t be released in the wild, I don’t think, but they’ll be put up for adoption.” Other potential strategies include prohibiting feeding the birds, akin to existing pigeon-feeding bans, and implementing a catch, sterilize, and release program. More details can be found in the full city agenda.
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