Police: ‘Gunshots’ near airport are actually firecrackers staff are using to keep geese away from planes

Notice issued after JPD gets multiple reports of shots being fired in the area

The "wildlife" scene at Juneau International Airport on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

There was indeed fowl play happening at the airport on Saturday evening, but it’s not what alarmed residents calling the Juneau Police Department to report gunshots thought.

"JPD has received several reports of shots being fired in (the) valley, in the general area of the airport," a notice posted on the department’s official page just before 8 p.m. states. "I’m told this is due to a large gaggle (actual term I looked it up) of Canadian geese near the runway and airport staff are using firecracker rounds before arrivals and departures to help disperse them."

"Obviously if you see someone firing a gun that looks differently than what this might be, within city limits, please call," the post adds.

Juneau International Airport Manager Andres Delgado, in a text message to the Juneau Independent, stated the airport "uses various methods (mostly nonlethal) to scare off the huge numbers of birds that migrate through the area this time of year."

"The actions taken by airport personnel are overseen by contracted USDA staff and is part of our wildlife hazard mitigation plan (WHMP), which is reviewed by FAA and permitted through state and federal agencies," he wrote. "Unfortunately, the birds see the areas around the runway as the ideal place to rest, not a good combo around aircraft, which was evident in the bird strike (4 Canada geese) on Wednesday that caused flight 73 to return."

"Birds are stubborn, and it’s a constant effort to keep birds and other animals from being too comfortable around the airport."

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.