The term “waterfowl” refers to migratory birds who live in freshwater habitats, such as geese, swans, and ducks. All waterfowl share the characteristics of webbed feet and flattened bills. In Massachusetts, the Canada goose is the species of waterfowl that most often comes into conflicts with humans. Canada geese are distinguishable by their large size, white cheek patch, and black bill, head, and neck. They weigh about twelve pounds and have an average wing length of twenty inches. Canada geese form permanent pair bonds and both parents vigorously defend nests and goslings. They can often be seen and heard flying overhead in a “V” formation, which allows each bird to fly in the wind draft of the bird in front of it, saving energy and taking turns as the leader to break the wind.
There are two different populations of Canada geese in Massachusetts: the migratory population and the resident population, who are descendants of captive geese used for hunting. Due to the fact that the resident goose population never learned how to migrate and the abundance of attractive human-made habitats like golf courses, artificial ponds and lakes, and municipal parks, this resident population lives in Massachusetts year round.
Learn about the duck and goose welfare issues associated with foie gras.
POSSIBLE CONFLICTS & SOLUTIONS
Waterfowl conflicts with humans usually involve landscaped areas and maintained lawns. When grazing, geese do not permanently disturb or physically damage turf. Rather, conflict usually occurs because of fecal deposits and the aggregation of large numbers of birds.
There are various effective strategies to manage, but confronting any wildlife conflict also requires patience and flexibility, as you may need to experiment with different techniques. Some of the many options for reducing human-geese conflicts include: vegetation management (the use of tall grass or other naturally occurring vegetation to deter geese and ducks); fencing; harassment techniques (including the use of trained border collies); hazing (aggressively, but safely, scaring the birds until the learn that a location is not friendly to geese), repellents, and oiling eggs. Killing geese is inhumane, unnecessary, and ineffective, as it merely opens up habitat for new geese to populate.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS
Waterfowl are not a threat to human health. While there is a strain of botulism that can infect waterfowl, it is not transmittable to humans. Additionally, though there has been concern in the past about the impact of goose droppings on water quality in municipal lakes and ponds, assessments have concluded that poor water circulation and other sources of contamination likely account for water quality issues. While, geese are not inherently dangerous to people, they will vigorously defend their nest and goslings.
Never feed geese. Doing so can make them more aggressive as they learn to associate humans with food. It can also lead to a permanent wing deformity called dropped wing, which limits or even prevents flight. (See photo.) Additionally, because geese will naturally prefer food that is easily available, they will consume more of these “empty calories” relative to healthier, more appropriate food options. A “junk food” diet for geese can lead to the same health problems that people face if they are not able to eat healthfully.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
