Japanese utility firm locked in fierce yearly battle with crows

Kanazawa, Japan

HOKURIKU Electric Power Co has been in a battle with crows that build their nests on top of utility poles.

The battle has become increasingly fierce each year from February to May, when crows build their nests and the public utility firm removes them. The number of times such work is required each year has doubled in a decade.

If the nests are not removed, they can cause blackouts. The removal work can also be dangerous, and workers are often attacked by the crows.

Even though the company has been putting great effort into removing the nests, the skilful birds have been building an increasin…