How do airplanes handle wildlife encounters?

Airplanes and wildlife encounters are a dangerous combination, as they pose significant safety risks for passengers, crew, and animals alike. While rare, wildlife strikes can cause severe damage to aircraft, leading to dangerous situations such as engine failure or even crashes. Airplanes can encounter a variety of animals during takeoff, landing, or in-flight, such as birds, deer, coyotes, and even alligators.

To mitigate the risk of wildlife strikes, airports and airlines follow strict safety protocols and guidelines. Airports conduct regular wildlife surveys and manage the surrounding habitats to prevent wildlife from coming near runways and taxiways. Pilots also receive specialized training to recognize and respond to wildlife encounters. If a pilot spots an animal on the runway or in the air, they will usually abort the takeoff or landing, or take evasive action to avoid the animal.

In case of a wildlife strike, airlines and airports have emergency protocols in place to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. After the incident, the aircraft will be inspected for damages, and the passengers will be accommodated according to the airline's policies. Wildlife strikes are taken seriously and reported to the appropriate authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.