National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC)

Understanding the relative hazards of wildlife to aircraft is important for developing effective management programs. NWRC researchers used Federal Aviation Administration National Wildlife Strike Database records from 1990 to 2009 in the United States to rank the relative hazard of wildlife to aircraft. A new publication by NWRC’s Dr. Travis DeVault and colleagues summarized data for 77 species or species groups with ≥20 records where collisions occurred ≤500 feet above ground level. Below is a list of the top 10 wildlife species or groups most likely to cause damage when struck by aircraft.

1. Mule Deer
2. White-tailed Deer
3. Domestic Dog
4. Other Geese (besides Canada geese)
5. Canada Goose
6. Turkey Vulture
7. Other Ducks (besides Mallards)
8. Great Horned Owl
9. Double-crested Cormorant
10. Brown Pelican

For more information, please contact nwrc@aphis.usda.gov.