A papier-mâché sage-grouse. (NPS/M. Nall via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
A flock of quirky fake birds has appeared in a U.S. national park.
The papier-mâché sage-grouse have been placed in Wyoming to try and stop the birds being killed by aircraft.
National Parks Service (NPS) rangers hope they will encourage real birds to relocate away from an airport flight path.
Grand Teton National Park said: "Can papier-mâché save lives? We’re about to find out, hopefully.
"Between 1990 and 2013, 32 greater sage-grouse were killed by aircraft near Jackson Hole Airport—most during summer months when hens and chicks are active.
A ranger places a papier-mâché sage-grouse. (NPS/M. Nall via SWNS)
"To help reduce future strikes, the park, along with community partners, restored a 100-acre field just south of the runway and placed four handcrafted sage-grouse decoys to encourage birds to relocate their spring mating displays."
The decoys were created through a collaboration with Teton Raptor Center, Jackson Hole Middle School art students, and local artist Lori Solem.
Trail cameras are now keeping watch to see if the real grouse follow their papier-mâché look-alikes.
"This multi-year restoration is part of the Airport’s Wildlife Hazard Management Plan to improve safety for both wildlife and aircraft," NPS said.
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