What animal poses the primary wildlife hazard to aircraft?

The primary wildlife hazard to aircraft is birds. This is due to several factors, including their size, flying behavior, and the likelihood of encountering them during takeoff and landing phases of flight. Birds can cause significant damage to aircraft, particularly if they strike critical components such as engines, windscreens, or the fuselage. Such bird strikes may lead to engine failure or compromised aerodynamics, posing serious safety risks.

While other animals, such as deer and rabbits, can also present hazards—particularly on runways—birds are more frequently involved in accidents due to their flight patterns and the tendency for birds to inhabit areas near airports. Bears, while potentially dangerous when present near airstrips, are less likely to impact flight safety in the same way that birds do. Therefore, birds are recognized as the most significant wildlife hazard to aircraft operations.