Canada Geese

photo: (c) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Glenn Smart

Attracted by the comfortable settings of lawns and retentions ponds of industrial complexes, corporate offices, residential subdivisions and golf courses throughout Illinois, Canada geese are moving in. Historically, the Canada goose is a wetland species, but has adapted well to the new environment of corporate landscaping. Sites with retention ponds provide geese with protection from their predators and nicely mowed lawns offer them one of their favorite foods, new shoots of grass.

Ruffling Feathers

From late June to late July, the Canada goose loses its flight feathers and its ability to fly. Conflicts with humans usually arise at this time. Geese may act aggressively if they feel their young are threatened. They may hiss or chase people who get too close to a nest or flock of geese. It is possible to relocate geese at this time, however adult geese will be more likely to return to a site where they have a history of breeding than young birds.

Short-Term Deterrents

• Plastic or live swans
• Fake alligators for ponds
• Brightly colored streamers or balloons
• Hire a service that uses specially trained dogs to disperse the geese.

Long-Term Solution

Landscape with native plants is recommended for open spaces and the perimeter of ponds. Trees and bushes in yards and tall grass plantings around ponds add natural beauty and provide hiding spaces for predators (coyotes, foxes and even raccoons). Using landscaping to decrease open space makes the area less attractive to geese, which is the most effective method.

Never A Solution

• Never keep a wild bird, even for a short time.
• Never move young from the nest.
• Never use poisons. They are inhumane and may be illegal. They can result in secondary poisoning of raptors, wild scavengers and neighborhood or household pets.

Very Important: The 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects all native birds, including Canada Geese. It is illegal for any person to possess birds, dead or alive, nesting material, eggs, feathers and bones of a bird, without the proper permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the State of Illinois. It is illegal to harm or kill a protected bird species. It is also illegal to remove or destroy nesting material from a nest once an egg has been laid. Contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for additional information on the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. www.fws.gov

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