Question:

I have a bad goose problem at my lakefront home. I have lived here for years and it seems like every year the problem gets worse. I thought Canada Geese were migratory – why aren’t they leaving?

Answer:

Starting in the 1960s, federal and state wildlife agencies attempted to recover populations of giant Canada Geese (at that time restricted to only a few small populations) by raising them in captivity and releasing them around the country. These released birds never developed strong migratory traditions, and as their numbers have grown, they have adapted to life in cities and suburbs. Our lawns, parks, and ponds are perfect habitat for these birds, and they often raise their young there with reduced interference from natural predators. With no migratory tradition and plenty of food and habitat, these birds are here to stay. For more information on these birds and efforts to control them, see the Geese Peace website.