Students who walk to class may be done dealing with snowstorms. But now there’s a new obstacle to avoid during the walk to class – becoming a pigeon target.

The railroad bridge that runs over Stange Road is the home to many pigeons, who often bestow “gifts” upon students as they walk to and from class, said Kipp Van Dyke, community adviser at Hawthorn Court.

“A lot of students have to walk underneath the bridge, and a lot of students will get crapped on,” he said.

Van Dyke, senior in child and family services, is one of several students who began circulating a petition to rid students of the pigeon problem.

The problem is outside the Department of Residence’s domain, Van Dyke said. The pigeon petition will be presented to Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the bridge.

“[Union Pacific] could put chicken wire up or something so [the pigeons] can’t be up there,” Van Dyke said. “It’s always been a problem. I’ve never been hit, but I’ve heard enough people say they have, and it smells.”

The issue first arose at a Hawthorn Court Community Council meeting.

“Somebody brought it up as people were walking out and it was one of those comments where everybody stopped and started talking about it,” said Mary Golemo, residence hall coordinator in Hawthorn Court. “We’ve got about 60 signatures so far and that was just in one day.”

Golemo said she has also received more than a dozen e-mails from residents concerned about the issue.

Ryan Guard, Hawthorn Court Community Council president, said he hopes to draft a letter to Union Pacific next week.

“It’s been an annoyance for quite awhile, but we’ve just begun the petition over the past couple of weeks,” said Guard, senior in history. “I’ve walked under [the bridge] a couple times and I’ve been afraid.

“I think it has come to light because of the 2,000 residents who use that sidewalk and all the people from university housing.”

Guard said he would like to get as many signatures as possible before sending the petition.

Students can sign the petition at the Hawthorn Court barbecue Sunday or e-mail their concerns to [email protected].