OAK HARBOR, OH -- As the state's population of Canada geese continues to grow, so do reports of conflicts between the large waterfowl and humans, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"The number of calls we received regarding goose conflicts rose 66% percent from 1998 to 2000," said Dave Sherman, waterfowl biologist for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. "In 1998, with an estimated 78,00 Canada geese in Ohio in the spring, we received 692 calls about goose conflicts. Last year that number rose to 805 as the Canada goose spring breeding population has climbed to 90,000."
State wildlife biologists caution that during the Canada goose-breeding season in late winter/early spring, geese can be aggressive toward people and their pets, or even toward other geese. Canada geese are territorial in defense of their breeding mates, nesting locations, and in the protection of their young goslings. This leads geese to sometimes become aggressive in response to people or pets that get too close to nesting sites and their goslings.
"There are a number of non-lethal measures individuals can take to prevent geese from establishing a nesting area on their property," said Sherman.
Using noisemakers, fencing around flower beds and small ponds, setting out reflective substances at goose-eye level, or a combination of any of these techniques are effective in moving geese off personal property.
Other techniques include:
- Discourage people from feeding geese
- Leave a 20-to 30-foot barrier strip of tall grass around ponds or streams
- Remove any potential nesting material
- Check frequently for nest-building activity
"It takes a concerted and consistent effort, but hard work now will reduce conflicts with geese in the months ahead," Sherman said.
ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists remind individuals dealing with Canada geese on their property that the geese are federally protected migratory game birds.
Harassing techniques cannot include physical abuse of the geese. Also, the same protection extended to the goose applies to the bird's nest and eggs.
Additional information on goose management techniques is available by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.