San Antonio is for the birds. More than 9,500 people, as of the morning of July 10, have signed onto a petition demanding that the city protect its wild birds and spread more accurate public safety information.

In Defense of Animals, a California-based animal protection organization, leads the charge. Formed in 1983, this group has 40 years of advocacy under its belt and operates four sanctuaries, according to its website, in California, Mississippi, India, and South Korea.

Its San Antonio scope, at least regarding this initiative, is namely Woodlawn Lake Park and Elmendorf Lake Park, plus a more general spread around the city. A press release accuses city employees and San Antonio Parks and Recreation of justifying harm by claiming that they are a public health hazard; The group says this is misinformation.

In February 2023, the city posted a message on its official website outlining some of its concerns and goals in deterring birds from Brackenridge Park, which the San Antonio Current a month later tied to expanded efforts in Woodlawn Park.

In this document, the city mostly focuses on bird feces as a point of concern, stating that they "cause damage to park amenities including picnic tables, playground equipment" and that "sidewalks become inaccessible to the public." When bird feces come into contact with bodies of water, like ponds and rivers, the city cites concerns about the potential spread of diseases like E. coli.

The document also lists potential deterrent strategies: "pyrotechnics, clappers, spotlights, lasers, distress calls, effigies, balloons and drones."

At Elmendorf Lake Part, the city cites the same concerns, plus more about birds colliding with aircraft. It claims its response will be humane and non-lethal, and the above tactics except for clappers.

The In Defense of Animals release does not explain which parts of the city's message are misinformation; CultureMap has reached out to ask for clarification and will update this story when a response arrives. The release does take direct issue with some or all of the city's proposed solutions — specifically the use of explosives and clappers — saying that they are "causing more damage and disruption in city parks by harassing birds."

"More will follow if [city contractors and subcontractors], who have been observed acting in a reckless and unsafe manner by shooting explosives around people and families with children, continue harassing birds in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act," says the release.

City materials make clear an aim to move the birds rather than kill them, especially to prevent them from nesting before they commit to an area. But in many cases the birds are clearly already moved in, and advocates point to the vital importance of a safe nesting environment. Chicks who cannot yet fly do not have the option of simply leaving the area.

“It’s heartbreaking that these birds have not been allowed to peacefully nest and raise their babies in San Antonio, and that more will be lost because of the unethical harassment the city is allowing,” said Lisa Levinson of In Defense of Animals. “It’s even more disheartening that city officials refuse to listen to public input or engage in a dialogue that could lead to peaceful coexistence, which residents clearly support. We’ll continue to push for resolution on this issue.”

Another speaker quoted in the release points out that it's not possible to target only certain birds with these techniques.

“We have been watching the city’s actions on the birds in our parks for a couple of years. But not until now do we realize that they’re not just trying to control the bird population, they are trying to eradicate all birds from our parks," said resident Ida Ayala. "Surely they realize that the board-banging and explosives are an attack on all wildlife in the area, as well as on the people, taxpayers, who go to the park to enjoy birds and the natural environment."

More information is available in the petition, found at idausa.org.