Dogs Hercules and Ned Guard Skies, Calm Flyers \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ At West Virginia International Yeager Airport, two border collies—Hercules and Ned—work daily to patrol the airfield and prevent wildlife hazards. The dogs help protect aircraft from bird strikes while also comforting nervous passengers inside the terminal. Their handler says their work plays a crucial role in aviation safety.
Quick Looks
- Border collies Hercules and Ned help prevent wildlife-plane collisions
- Hercules serves as both working dog and airport ambassador
- Wildlife patrols reduce costly delays and ensure passenger safety
- Handled by airport wildlife specialist Chris Keyser
- Yeager Airport sits atop a mountain, attracting birds and animals
- Dogs trained to herd birds without harming them
- Hercules joined in 2018; Ned added in 2023 for support
- FAA data shows bird strikes caused 76 deaths since 1988
- 2022 included five bat-plane collisions at Yeager Airport alone
- Hercules comforts passengers, easing anxiety before flights
Deep Look
Atop a mountain in Charleston, West Virginia, the runway at Yeager Airport offers spectacular views—and a unique challenge. The elevated location and surrounding terrain attract a variety of birds and wildlife, posing a constant risk to air traffic. But Yeager has an innovative, furry solution: Hercules and Ned, two border collies specially trained to patrol the airfield and prevent dangerous wildlife-plane collisions.
Their daily mission blends instinct, discipline, and charm: protect lives on the runway, and soothe spirits in the terminal.
When Instinct Meets Aviation
Bird strikes are one of the most persistent—and potentially catastrophic—threats to aviation safety. The Federal Aviation Administration reported nearly 19,000 wildlife strikes at U.S. airports in 2023 alone. These collisions, most involving birds, have killed 76 people and destroyed over 120 aircraft since 1988.
Recognizing the growing danger, Yeager Airport took action in 2018 by investing in a new kind of wildlife deterrent—Hercules, a border collie bred and trained by Flyaway Geese, a North Carolina-based program specializing in wildlife control using dogs.
From the moment Hercules stepped onto the airfield, it was clear he had found his calling.
“He took hold of the reins. It was his place,” said Rebecca Gibson, founder of Flyaway Geese. “We’re so proud of him.”
Hercules was trained to herd geese and sheep, instincts honed through generations of border collies selectively bred for their drive and obedience. At Yeager, that training translated into chasing birds off the runways, using a natural predator’s energy to force flocks to disperse—without harm.
Enter Ned: A Partner in Patrol
As Hercules aged, the workload increased. In 2023, the airport welcomed Ned, a then two-year-old border collie with similar training and a high-energy personality. Where Hercules is measured and calm, Ned is a whirlwind of activity, always moving, always eager.
Under the guidance of handler Chris Keyser, who serves as Yeager’s wildlife specialist, Ned quickly adapted. He followed Hercules’ lead, learning to stay off the runway, respond to tower communication, and obey critical safety commands.
“Ned’s ready to go,” Keyser said. “He’s doing fantastic, running birds off.”
More Than a Job: A Mission in Motion
The job is physically demanding and constant. Wildlife activity can increase after rainstorms, when worms surface and attract birds. Geese, hawks, ducks, bats, and even deer are regular visitors on Yeager’s mountaintop terrain.
Keyser maintains constant contact with the airport tower, relaying wildlife positions, responding to reports from pilots, and coordinating dog patrols across the airfield. The dogs are always moving, always watching.
“It’s an all-day job. You’re always watching the field and listening to the radio. You get plenty of exercise,” Keyser joked.
The dogs aren’t just effective—they’re also more humane than traps, guns, or pyrotechnics. Birds interpret the dogs as predators—similar to foxes or coyotes—and instinctively avoid the area after repeated chases.
Not Just Safety: Emotional Support on Four Legs
Beyond the runway, Hercules and Ned offer something that no radar system or automated siren can: human connection. When not chasing geese or tracking down bats, Hercules strolls through the terminal, wagging his tail and delivering warmth to passengers.
One such encounter brought comfort to Janet Spry, who was flying to San Antonio shortly after euthanizing her elderly cat. Nervous and grieving, Spry met Hercules—and immediately began to smile.
“He’s making my day better,” she said, tearing up as Hercules rested a paw on her arm.
It’s a role the dogs weren’t explicitly trained for—but one they’ve embraced. Hercules, in particular, is intuitive, often seeking out travelers in distress. His ability to provide emotional support has made him a beloved figure on social media, with active Instagram and TikTok accounts chronicling his daily adventures.
From Celebrities to Safety Specialists
Hercules and Ned aren’t just pets or mascots. They’re part of a national movement toward smarter, more effective wildlife management. Border collies have long been used at military bases, golf courses, and other airports across the country.
Their ability to cover large areas quickly, obey complex commands, and act instinctively in a fast-changing environment makes them ideal for high-stakes operations like airfield safety.
And their results speak for themselves. Since Hercules began working at Yeager, wildlife-related delays and incidents have decreased, and the airport’s wildlife management program has gained national attention.
Still, challenges remain. In 2022, Yeager recorded five bat strikes, and in 2000, a landing plane collided with two deer, causing a propeller blade to break off and puncture the fuselage—injuring a passenger.
That’s why the patrols continue, day in and day out, no matter the weather, no matter the schedule.
Conclusion: A Tail-Wagging Legacy
What started as a single dog’s mission has grown into a model of innovation and compassion in aviation safety. Hercules and Ned prove that high-tech isn’t always better—sometimes, the best solution is instinct on four legs.
Whether sprinting across runways, shooing birds into flight, or calming a frightened traveler, these dogs offer a blend of heart and utility rarely found in airport operations.
In the words of their handler:
“You can’t replace what they do. They’re one of a kind.”
And for passengers at West Virginia International Yeager Airport, that one of a kind might just make all the difference—in the skies and in their hearts.
Dogs Hercules and
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