TROY, N.Y. (WRGB) — Fall and winter are the seasons when upstate municipalities see crows most. CBS6’s Anthony Krolikowski noticed a couple dozen or so birds in Troy on Wednesday afternoon but only two crows. In the evening, more than 100 crows were flying near City Hall. Mayor Carmella Mantello said closer to December, there’s been hundreds, even thousands of crows defecating on cars, parks and streets in years past, which left behind a major health concern. Though the City Council said it hasn’t heard this level of concern from the citizens.

Troy’s mayor shared a picture from 2025 on social media of a sidewalk and fire hydrant covered in bird feces. That’s why she wants to enter into an almost $13,000 contract with the USDA for its scare tactics. “It’s minor pyrotechnics, it’s lasers — the laser lights. It’s also some spotlights. And then it some noise — type of noises to kind of relocate the crows, but they are not super intrusive,” explained Mantello.

City Council President Sue Steele disagrees and shared that there have been few crow complaints.

She sent the following statement:

“The City Council has reached out to neighboring communities to see how they are handling crows, and will speak with a representative from the USDA regarding options. We are doing our homework on the issue of crow relocation.

While the crows may be a nuisance, Councilmembers have received few complaints. We have asked the mayor to share evidence of complaints. As of now, she has not provided that information to us.

Long-time residents who have reached out have indicated that loud and persistent noises from the crow hazing measures are more disruptive than the crows themselves. The Council will continue its research on the subject of crows.”

Mantello said the City Council did not pass the contract. Across the Hudson River, Watervliet does have a contract with the USDA.

“It isn’t going to stop us from, you know, redirecting them out of here to city. And if that pushes them to someplace else, and that includes Troy. Well, good luck,” shared Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli.

If Troy also had a contract, the USDA would work to keep murders of crows away from both cities. The City Council and Mayor’s Office want their constituents to reach out and share their opinion on the matter.

“Contact your council member, copy me please. Both sides, if you feel it does disturb you, I want to know. Maybe we can do better education, etc.” said Mantello.

The USDA will be meeting with the City Council to discuss its methods and safety on Thursday evening. The contract will then be passed or not on November 5, 2026.

After the report aired, Steele said, “The Council actually unanimously voted the contract out of Finance Committee for action on Nov 5. The mayor is making this political.”