Introduction and Regulations
Less than 50 years ago, the giant Canada goose was extremely rare in Indiana. As a result of restoration efforts and a large increase in small urban and suburban bodies of water, Canada geese are now quite common. Many people enjoy seeing them fly in a v-formation or hearing their distinctive honk, but problems can occur when too many gather in an area.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 gave the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) oversight authority to manage and regulate the harvest of migratory birds in the United States. This act makes it illegal to harvest waterfowl or other migratory birds except during the hunting season or by permit. It also prevents unrestricted egg harvesting and commercial hunting for meat and feathers. In 1999, the federal government introduced permits that could be issued to State wildlife management agencies so states and their designated agents could initiate Canada geese management within the conditions and restrictions of the permit. As such, the Indiana Division of Fish, Wildlife, & Nature Preserves may issue permits for management of Canada geese.
A single, quick fix solution is unlikely to reduce or solve Canada goose conflicts. Using several techniques in combination is a much more effective strategy. Short-term techniques can relieve immediate problems, but long-term solutions are much more likely to succeed in mitigating human/Canada goose conflicts. The ultimate goal of Canada goose management is to reduce the number of conflicts, not to eliminate all Canada geese. Canada goose management plans that are organized with an action plan, community buy-in, and time commitment are more likely to be successful. There is no single, best answer for Canada goose management.
It is best to use preventive techniques before a problem begins in an area. Once Canada geese are established, it can become very difficult to deter them, particularly after nesting has begun. So think of long-term management, not just short-term solutions.
Common Canada Goose Conflicts
Typically, developers and landowners unknowingly facilitate human-Canada goose conflicts by creating ideal goose habitat. Canada geese feed extensively on fresh, short, green grass. Manicured lawns and turf grass with nearby bodies of water such as retention ponds, lakes, and golf course water hazards create habitat in which Canada geese live, multiply, and concentrate. Canada geese, including their young, also have a strong tendency to return to the same area annually. Once Canada geese start nesting in a particular place, it is likely more geese will nest there in the future. Congregating Canada geese can cause damage to landscape. Large amounts of excrement, turf destruction, and aggressive behavior create potential conflicts.
Canada geese are particularly aggressive during breeding and nesting seasons as both males and females defend their nests. Their behavior can cause problems around businesses and other infrastructure when Canada geese attack workers, residents, and customers.
Recognizing aggressive behavior in Canada geese may help people avoid conflicts. Defensive postures include head pumping, and open bill, hissing, honking, and wing flapping. If these behaviors are observed, people should slowly walk away and give the Canada goose space. Most injuries from Canada geese occur due to tripping and falling while trying to run away.
Many breeding pairs begin scouting for nesting locations in late February, with most problems occurring March through June during the nesting season. Egg-laying begins soon after nest construction is complete. Female Canada geese lay one egg every 1.5 days and the average clutch size is 5. Incubation of eggs begins after the last egg is laid and lasts approximately 28 days.
After hatching, Canada goslings are incapable of flight for about 70 days, so the young birds and their parents will graze near the hatching area for that time. Adults also molt their flight feathers near the end of June, rendering them flightless for 15 to 20 days.