Stop Pigeon Traps at Clinton CTA Station – Commuters & Wildlife Deserve Better!
Stop Pigeon Traps at Clinton CTA Station – Commuters & Wildlife Deserve Better!
The Issue
To the Amazing Citizens of Chicago,
We have a peculiar but serious problem at the Clinton Green/Pink Line station. Pigeons frequently get trapped in the narrow gap between the escalator and the tunnel wall—this happens weekly. As a graduate student commuting through Clinton daily, I first noticed this issue two summers ago. Since then, I’ve rescued countless pigeons, only to learn this has been happening for years (Reddit comment attached in google drive link with additional photos).
Why Should You Care?
Public Health & Sanitation – If no one notices these trapped pigeons, they die in place. The CTA ignores them, leading to decaying birds piling up, creating unsanitary conditions. Rotting carcasses spread bacteria and attract pests like rats. I once saw dead pigeons left there for months and had to repeatedly call the CTA to remove them.
Animal Welfare – This is inhumane. While I often rescue birds in good condition, I have also found pigeons left starving and suffering for days (see google drive link with additional photos). Pigeons may be called "flying rats" by some, but they play important ecological roles in Chicago, including:
Nutrient Cycling – Their droppings fertilize soil in parks and green spaces.
Seed Dispersal – They help spread plant species across the city.
Prey for Urban Raptors – They are a vital food source for peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks.
Waste Cleanup – They scavenge food scraps, reducing excess waste.
Why Act Now?
This issue has persisted for far too long, and it's time for change. Soon, I will be moving and will no longer be able to monitor and rescue these pigeons myself. I have contacted the CTA and city officials, but they have failed to take action. That’s why I need your support.
By signing this petition, you are urging the City of Chicago and transit authorities to implement a humane and permanent solution—whether it’s installing deterrents, modifying the station design, or simply taking responsibility for removing trapped pigeons regularly.
I hope I can count on you. Together, we can make a change for both CTA commuters and the wildlife of Chicago.
The Issue
To the Amazing Citizens of Chicago,
We have a peculiar but serious problem at the Clinton Green/Pink Line station. Pigeons frequently get trapped in the narrow gap between the escalator and the tunnel wall—this happens weekly. As a graduate student commuting through Clinton daily, I first noticed this issue two summers ago. Since then, I’ve rescued countless pigeons, only to learn this has been happening for years (Reddit comment attached in google drive link with additional photos).
Why Should You Care?
Public Health & Sanitation – If no one notices these trapped pigeons, they die in place. The CTA ignores them, leading to decaying birds piling up, creating unsanitary conditions. Rotting carcasses spread bacteria and attract pests like rats. I once saw dead pigeons left there for months and had to repeatedly call the CTA to remove them.
Animal Welfare – This is inhumane. While I often rescue birds in good condition, I have also found pigeons left starving and suffering for days (see google drive link with additional photos). Pigeons may be called "flying rats" by some, but they play important ecological roles in Chicago, including:
Nutrient Cycling – Their droppings fertilize soil in parks and green spaces.
Seed Dispersal – They help spread plant species across the city.
Prey for Urban Raptors – They are a vital food source for peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks.
Waste Cleanup – They scavenge food scraps, reducing excess waste.
Why Act Now?
This issue has persisted for far too long, and it's time for change. Soon, I will be moving and will no longer be able to monitor and rescue these pigeons myself. I have contacted the CTA and city officials, but they have failed to take action. That’s why I need your support.
By signing this petition, you are urging the City of Chicago and transit authorities to implement a humane and permanent solution—whether it’s installing deterrents, modifying the station design, or simply taking responsibility for removing trapped pigeons regularly.
I hope I can count on you. Together, we can make a change for both CTA commuters and the wildlife of Chicago.
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Petition created on February 18, 2025