Ellsworth gets bird abatement system for flight line

One of 24 bird cannons being installed at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The cannons are located... — One of 24 bird cannons being installed at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The cannons are located mainly in the aircraft approach and departure areas to help prevent birds from nesting and to limit encounters between birds and aircraft in the base’s airspace. The system is part of an effort to minimize loss of Air Force resources and personnel from potentially hazardous wildlife populations around the runway. (U.S. Air Force photo s by Jonathan Bell) (KOTA)

Published: Oct. 3, 2018 at 2:31 PM EDT

In an effort to cut down on flight hazards, the Air Force is installing a bird abatement system at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

The bird abatement system consists of 24 units installed on or near the Ellsworth flight line. When used, it should scatter wildlife that are a risk to flight operations.

Testing of the system will begin Monday, Oct. 8. People who live near the base might hear the cannon-like system. However, in a release, the 28th Bomb Wing stated that precautions will be taken to keep the noise to a minimum.

The system is also being installed at Air Force bases across the county.