 has victimized the windshield wipers of 20 cars. The BBC reports that the targeted cars belong to staff who work at Greenfields Community Housing headquarters in Essex. According to the Royal Society for the Protection […] "'Pin It")
Criminal Crow Wreaks Havoc on Windshield Wipers in the UK
Photo: Pixabay
One crow has been causing headaches for several drivers in the United Kingdom. So far, “George” (as he’s been dubbed) has victimized the windshield wipers of 20 cars. The BBC reports that the targeted cars belong to staff who work at Greenfields Community Housing headquarters in Essex.
According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the crow could be going after the cars because it’s attracted to the rubber material of the blades. It could also be reacting to its reflection in the glass of the windshields.
John Marzluff, wildlife science professor at the University of Washington, confirms that this behavior is quite common in crows. He seconded the idea that George might just like the feel of the rubber. Though, he suggested that the bird might just be poking around the car’s exterior hoping to find food.
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Whatever the cause of George’s damages, it’s becoming a nuisance for employees at Greenfields. Staff member Amanda Bhavani claims that the bird comes back as soon as they look away. “We are looking for a long-term solution just to deter George. We want to keep him and his friends here, but this is becoming a bit of a problem.”
Apparently, the attacks started back in November and the crow has damaged not just wiper blades but the cars’ exterior paint. Staff claims that they shell out 40 pounds each time George rips off a set of wipers. Paint chips are significantly more expensive to repair. Depending on how large and deep the scratches are, paint chip repair jobs typically cost in the range of 114-5,739 pounds (US $150-$7,500) to fix.
Until the staff members find a more permanent way to protect their cars, they’re implementing some creative solutions. Per the New York Post, putting a fake owl with some black feathers around it on top of their cars seems to keep George away. Though, some have gone as far as keeping a frozen dead crow carcass on hand for this purpose.
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Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.