Canada Geese Management
Background
Complaints from the public about the goose feces making the parks unusable have increased significantly over the last several years. The continued growth of the goose population has outgrown the park staff's ability to keep up with cleaning and turf repair.The population of geese is increasing far beyond levels historically found in the region and the average goose lives 25 years. A core population is setting up permanent residency and not migrating. Since this is an urban environment there are very few natural predators controlling the population.
Next Steps
The district has learned through the public process that the public is supportive of actions the district has taken over the past many years to alleviate the damage caused by geese in the parks. The work plan drafted by USDA Wildlife Services takes into account the input from the public along with recommendations of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The majority of people that have weighed in on the issue are asking for stronger action.
This past winter and spring district staff, working with Wildlife Services, began an intense program to encourage Canada geese to migrate. The goal was to cause the geese to migrate out of the area to molt like wild geese are supposed to do. Molting occurs in June. The Humane Society of the United States and the Geese Peace organization indicated that the intense program below, simultaneously initiated, could solve the district's goose damage problem.
• Herding geese with USDA Wildlife Services trained dogs
• Physical harassment by staff and with remote control boats, noise makers and lasers
• Oiling eggs
• Using repellents where feasible
In May, the district and Wildlife Services evaluated the success of this effort and determined it was necessary to remove the core group of resident geese that simply refused to migrate. One hundred and nine geese were euthanized. The meat was given to local food kitchens. Hazing efforts will continue in an effort to keep the number of geese in the parks at a reasonable level. During nesting season, next spring, staff and volunteers will again work with Wildlife Services to oil eggs to prevent the population from growing.
Finding a healthy balance with wildlife in an urban environment can be difficult. You can help. Please do not feed wildlife in urban parks. Feeding encourages geese that should be migrating to set up permanent residency.
