Meet Hercules and Ned: Border collies dogs guarding West Virginia's busiest airport
At West Virginia’s busiest airport, two border collies are working tirelessly to keep the skies safe. Hercules and Ned patrol the airfield daily, scaring off birds and comforting anxious passengers with wagging tails and warm hearts.
Meet the Airport’s Four-Legged Heroes: At West Virginia's busiest airport, two border collies, Hercules and Ned, help keep passengers safe. These clever dogs patrol the airfield daily, chasing away birds and wildlife to prevent collisions with planes during takeoff and landing. (Image: AP)
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How It All Began: In 2018, Yeager Airport brought in Hercules after a wildlife biologist suggested a trained dog could help control birds. Hercules trained in North Carolina before arriving in Charleston, ready to protect the skies with his herding skills. (Image: AP)
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Hercules Finds His Place: When Hercules stepped onto the airfield, he instantly knew his role. Rebecca Gibson, his trainer, said he took charge like a pro. Hercules has since become both a beloved worker and a local celebrity, charming everyone he meets. (Image: AP)
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Ned Joins the Team: In 2023, Ned, a young border collie, joined Hercules. Trained to herd goats and geese, he quickly learned from his older partner. Now, Ned confidently helps patrol the field, keeping birds away and learning from the best. (Image: AP)
Life on the Airfield: The Charleston airport sits on a mountaintop filled with wildlife. Geese, hawks, ducks, and even bats appear often. Rain brings worms, which attract birds. That’s when Hercules and Ned spring into action, keeping the runway clear. (Image: AP)
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A Constant Watch: Handler Chris Keyser is always in touch with the control tower. He watches for wildlife and listens for pilot reports. With his two dogs by his side, it's a full-time job keeping the airfield safe and sound. (Image: AP)
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Natural, Safe Deterrents: Border collies are perfect for this job. They don’t harm the birds but scare them off using their natural herding instinct. To birds, they look just like predators, helping prevent dangerous encounters near planes. (Image: AP)
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Why It Matters: Bird strikes are serious business. In 2023, U.S. airports saw 19,000 wildlife-plane collisions. Some caused delays, while others led to deadly crashes. These dogs help prevent incidents that could ruin flights or even cost lives. (Image: AP)
Comfort Beyond Duty: Hercules doesn’t just work outside. Inside the terminal, he comforts nervous passengers. When Janet Spry lost her cat and faced a flight fear, Hercules lifted her spirits with a paw on her arm and wet kisses. (Image: AP)
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Heroes with Wagging Tails: Hercules and Ned are more than working dogs — they’re silent heroes. With wagging tails and loyal hearts, they make air travel safer and brighter. Whether chasing birds or easing fears, they’re always ready for duty. (Image: AP)
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