Terre Haute Installs Second Automated Crow Laser

A new laser system on the Hulman Building aims to deter crows from downtown areas through March 2027.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Terre Haute Installs Second Automated Crow Laser

Live Poll

Should local governments use automated laser systems to deter wildlife nuisances in downtown areas?

Officials have installed a second automated crow laser on the roof of the Hulman Building in downtown Terre Haute. The device is designed to shine at crow roosts to move birds away from the city center.

Why it matters

The laser system is intended to reduce the crow nuisance in downtown Terre Haute, specifically to support local tourism and the city's DORA district. The expansion covers areas previously blocked by line-of-sight issues.

The laser system operates seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. to ensure continuous deterrence.

The players

Indiana State University

This public research university in Terre Haute is a funding partner for the city's crow deterrence project.

Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce

The chamber is an organization that supports local economic development and co-funded the laser installation.

The details

The laser is programmed to shine at established roosts, using light to annoy the birds and force them to relocate. This second unit specifically targets the east side of downtown, portions of Indiana State University, and territory east of 8th Street.

The first crow laser was installed on the Sycamore Building in October 2025.
The initial system operated from November 2025 to March 2026.
Operations for the second laser officially began on October 19, 2026.
The new laser system is scheduled to run through March 2027.

Market Landscape

The deployment of laser deterrent technology reflects a broader trend of municipalities investing in automated infrastructure to protect the viability of entertainment districts. This positions Terre Haute alongside other cities leveraging technology to manage environmental impacts on urban commerce.

Residents and visitors in downtown Terre Haute may notice laser beams directed at building tops during evening hours as the system works to clear roosting birds. These measures are designed to maintain cleaner pedestrian walkways within the DORA district.

The takeaway

The use of automated laser systems provides a non-lethal method for managing bird populations in dense urban environments. Homeowners and local businesses can monitor roosting patterns to determine if similar deterrent strategies might be effective in other affected neighborhoods.