NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The 57th Wing Safety Office’s Bird and Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard program has taken steps to decrease the likelihood of having wildlife on or around the flightline, but the program needs the help of base individuals to succeed.

For 57th Wing Safety, the priority is to maintain safety on the flightline.

“On the flight safety side, our concern with wildlife is that if they come out on the airfield when it’s dark, and if you have an aircraft landing, the pilots and maintainers may not be able to see them,” Master Sgt. Joshua Shepherd, 57th Wing flight safety member said.

The 57th Wing Safety team has noticed an increase in wildlife activity on base recently, and encourages people not to leave food and water outside of their buildings and houses, because that will attract coyotes and other animals indigenous to the area.

To limit unexpected encounters with wildlife on or around the flightline, Shepherd emphasizes the need for base individuals to do their part, and to exercise caution if you may come into contact with any wildlife.

For more information about the BASH program, or for assistance in this area, contact 57th Wing Safety at (702) 652-5705.