November 12, 2011

Sweden - Swedish transit authorities are trying to figure out how to disperse a flock of enterprising pigeons who have taken to jumping on the subway for a quick ride to their favorite dining destination, The Local Sweden reported.

"They behave well while on board and don't seem to be making much of a mess. They also choose to travel later in the day, cleverly avoiding rush hour," Rasmus Sandsten, spokesman for underground operator MTR, told The Local.

According to Sandsten, the wily birds "stand calmly at the platform and wait for the subway train to arrive. When it does they get on, travel one stop, jump off and then head for their favorite haunts."

They are believed to live in south Stockholm and use the subway to visit a shopping center featuring numerous cafes and other sources of food.

Sandsten said that so far, there have been no passenger complaints about the freeloaders.