What would be a good way to get rid of Canada geese that have taken over our lake?

Question

We live on a small lake property that has literally been over run by Canada geese. They don't migrate. They just stay here all year around messing up the beach. What would be a safe way to get rid of them without hurting them?

My point is that they NEVER leave!

Answer 1

First of all, consider that the geese may think you have taken over their lake.

What are they eating over winter? Is someone feeding them? That is when they usually migrate - when they run out of natural food in the fall. The best thing you could do is find out where they are getting their winter food and get rid of that. Plus, if someone is feeding them in summer, they are over-producing since they don't have to rely on what is naturally available.

Answer 2

I noticed a few talking about destroying eggs. Depending on where you live you will need permission from Fish and Game to do that. If not major fines can be involved.

Nonetheless... if they are just starting to nest and have yet to lay eggs (of course this would apply for next year and not right now) you have the option to destroy the nest. However you will have to keep on top of that since they will just make a new one.

If you have a dog let him/her loose and it might annoy the geese just enough.

There is something called a "Bird Banger" and "Bird Screamer" on the market that works really well too (our zoo uses them). It is a small gun that will fire off horrid loud noise (banger) or a loud whistle that screams (screamer) that will drive them off. You might have to do it a few times but it works really well. It is also cheap and you get a handful of bangers or screamers per box.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Margecutter gives the best answer.Contact the local officials to see if it is permitted to destroy the eggs. This is being permitted in some areas now because there is an overpopulation of Canadian Geese but permission must be granted before you do anything. Everyone in the community needs to act together for success. Good Luck

Answer 4

First, if there are no regulations in your community against feeding the geese, fight to have such regulations enacted.

Then, contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Even though your particular geese do not migrate, they are still protected under the migratory bird act, because the species as a rule is migratory. You could ssek permission to destroy eggs and chase the birds.

Do not destroy the eggs without the proper permission from the US Fish and Wildlife Service! "All native birds are protected by the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal for any person to possess nesting material, egg(s), feathers, bones or a live bird without the proper permits from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is also illegal to harm or kill a protected bird species and it is illegal to remove or destroy nesting material. The law does not protect three birds, they are; Pigeon (rock dove), English house sparrow and the European starling. Once a nest is established (first egg laid), it is illegal to destroy it."
http://www.willowbrookwildlife.org/GuidesDetail.asp?id=1

Here are some tips on deterring:
Manicured lawns, retention ponds of subdivisions, industrial and business complexes, and golf courses provide excellent habitat for Canada geese. Conflicts with man usually arise during the summer months when the birds can aggressively defend their young when threatened. They may hiss or chase people who get too close to the nest or flock. Many deterrent products or techniques will only last a short period of time; such as plastic or live swans, fake alligators in a pond, brightly colored streamers or balloons or spreading methyl anthranilate (an additive to powder grape drink and grape soda) that irritates their skin. For a long-term solution, landscaping with native plants is recommended for open spaces and the perimeter of ponds. Trees and bushes in yards and tall grass plantings around ponds add natural beauty and provide hiding spaces for predators. Using landscaping to decrease open space makes the area less attractive to geese.
(same website as above)

Here is another great website on nuisance geese solutions, but it, again, warns: "It is against federal law for anyone to destroy a Canada goose nest that contains one or more eggs without first securing permission through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Permission may be received by registering online at http://www.fws.gov/permits/mbpermits/gooseeggregistration.html. Landowners must register each employee or agent working on their behalf."
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/geese/geesesol.html

Answer 5

The washington department of fish and wildlife has an excellent page on this problem. It lists fencing and landscape options to make the area inhospitable to geese. The author, Russell Link, really knows his stuff.

Answer 6

They are way overpopulated, what they do is paint the eggs so the chicks can't develop and they can't hatch, but the geese don't replace them either. After 1 or 2 seasons of that, no more geese.

Dogs help too.

Answer 7

I would suggest finding a local Boy or Girl Scout Troop interested in doing an enviromental project. With the use of donated time, canoes, and rowboats; you can round-up the geese into a enclosed trailer (i.e. cattle trailer or such) and relocate them to other bodies of water. Some farmers or ranchers in your area might be willing to allow a small number of them to be released on their farm ponds. After they have been relocated, post "scarecrows" like fake owls around, especially near their former nests. Be sure to move them around periodically so that they appear "real".

Answer 8

Many people think it is temperature that makes birds migrate but it is food source. They've stopped migrating because they find enough food to survive there year-round.

Answer 9

Other than draining your lake-- nothing. They come back to the same place every year and their babies learn to do the same. You may be able to get rid of their eggs and scare 'em away with a dog, but next summer they'll be back. With the exception of all the bird poop, they're really beautiful. Be proud that they have chosen your lake! You get to watch different generations of geese grow and have their own babies, fly thousands of miles, and always come back to your lake. Mother nature at her finest!

Answer 10

Our local high school had the same problem on their athletic fields. They now have lifesized wooden silhouettes of large dogs painted black on the fields when they're not in use. It works!
I'm beginning to see see them on farm fields in our area, too.