Quoth Coles “nevermore” as crow to go

The crow sits in the supermarket. 238940_01

By Danielle Kutchel

A crow that has been living in a Berwick Coles store is set to be moved to a better home.

A concerned customer told Star News that the crow had been living in the Coles Parkhill Plaza store for around two weeks.

The customer was worried about the crow presenting a health hazard – potentially leaving droppings on groceries including fresh fruit and vegetables.

Management at the store was unable to comment, however a Coles spokesperson told Star News that the bird would be removed on Tuesday 25 May.

“As the bird is classified as a native species, we needed DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) approval before it could be removed,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“We have now received the appropriate permits and are pleased to confirm the bird will be removed overnight.”

Daniel Osborne, manager safer communities at the City of Casey, said the council’s environmental health officers would contact the supermarket to see whether they could provide assistance.

“The responsibility for removing birds that are found indoors falls on the property or business owner, and we encourage them to contact a licensed pest controller for assistance,” he said.

“Registered food businesses, such as Coles, should have processes and procedures in place to minimise the likelihood of pest entry and harbourage.”