Peregrines have been used an an environmentally friendly alternative (rather than poison) means of scaring away nonwanted bird species. For instance, airports have enlisted the aid of falconers and their birds in attempting to scare off gulls and other birds that can be hazardous to airplanes taking off and landing. Also, the University of Alberta has researched using a fake Peregrine and radar activated cannon in keeping other birds from oil sands mining areas.