Why is there a "resident" Canada Goose population?
We have given them a safe habitat and viable food source. Residents as well as non-residents of a community feed the geese. We started to build detention ponds that were surrounded by rocks or grass that is mowed up to the edge. Geese are intelligent birds, which is one of the reasons they are so successful around people. The birds recognize potential threats from the human world and know where to find safety. The geese can see that there are no predators around and do not fear the retention ponds. It's easy living.

How many resident Canada geese are in Atlantic flyway?
There are approximately 1.2 million "resident" geese according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Resident geese are the idividuals that do not migrate. The Atlantic flyway consists of a population that breeds in Northern Quebec and winters in the northeastern part of the North Carolina.

What are some of the complaints about the Canada goose?
Most complaints from businesses and residents who have become frustrated with goose droppings. Whether it be parking lots, recreation parks, your local golf course, beaches, or your beautifully manicured lawn, goose droppings are aesthetically unpleasant.

Are they just a nuisance or do they pose a danger?
A more ominous threat also looms - the possibility of goose/airplane collisions near urban airports, which have become increasingly popular goose resting spots. It is a threat airport authorities and the Service takes seriously. In 1995, 24 people died in the crash of a Boeing 707 jet aircraft after it collided with Canada geese on take-off from the Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska. During the same year a Concorde jet lost two engines after smacking several geese while on final approach at JFK International, and a similar incident occurred at La Guardia. Estimates by the FAA put the goose strike number at about 240 annually, resulting in millions of dollars in damage.

Isn't the Canada Goose protected?
Like all native waterfowl and other migratory birds, Canada geese are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and various state and federal laws. In accordance with these laws it is unlawful to hunt, kill, sell, purchase, or possess migratory birds, except as permitted by regulations adopted on an annual basis by the Secretary of the Interior.

What about water quality?
Other concerns are high goose populations in low level water areas. High population levels in these areas can lead to high bacteria levels via fecal matter. This issue has become a health concern to our beaches and swimming areas. Public health agencies frequently test for levels of fecal coliform to determine if public lakes are safe for swimming.

Why are the geese chasing people?
A concern that should not be overlooked is the geese nesting in appropriate areas, such as shrubbery around buildings and parking lots. The geese can become aggressive to humans in defending their nesting territory.

Where does the Canada Goose nest?
The Canada goose nests statewide. Geese are attracted to areas that provide food, water, and protection. During the summer, the Canada geese find refuge on lakes and ponds, taking advantage of the lush lawns, while experiencing their annual wing molt (loss of flight feathers). Some geese will move to large agricultural fields during the fall and winter, and take advantage of the high energy foods, allowing them to stay throughout the winter.

What are some of the methods of control and prevention?

• Hazing through the use of highly trained Border Collies and Handlers
• Low perimeter fencing around bodies of water
• Mylar balloons, noisemakers and other scare tactics
• Landscape and habitat modification