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 winter and spring district staff, working with Wildlife
Services, will initiate an intense program to encourage Canada
geese to migrate. The goal is to cause the geese to migrate out
of the area to molt. 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 will evaluate the success of this effort and determine whether or not it will be necessary to resort to removing geese from the parks. If it is determined that removal is necessary to remove geese, removal would take place in June when geese are flightless during the molt.
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.
