Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
low risk
bird
Overview
Large native bird that has become a major nuisance pest in urban and suburban areas due to non-migratory resident populations.
75-110cm. Black head and neck with distinctive white chin strap. Brown body, white belly.
Prevention Strategies
- •Modify habitat: tall grass borders, landscape plantings blocking water access
- •Border collies trained for goose harassment
- •Grape juice (Methyl Anthranilate) repellent spray
- •Don't feed geese - enforces dependency
Control Methods
- •Egg oiling (addling) to prevent hatching with federal permit
- •Trained border collie deterrence (very effective)
- •Habitat modification to reduce appeal
- •Decoy predators
Interesting Facts
- •Urban/suburban geese have largely stopped migrating due to year-round food availability
- •Geese mate for life and can live 24+ years
- •A flock of geese on the ground is called a 'gaggle'
- •Canadian aviation loses millions annually to bird strikes from geese