Geese Problem
Good Morning Jackson!
Well spring has finally sprung around here and along with April Showers, and Mayflowers we get Geese! Now don’t take this the wrong way, we LOVE all creatures great and small, and nothing looks more picturesque than green grass, blue waters and wild Canadian geese ambling about our town pond. The problem with geese isn’t really the geese, it’s of course the poop!
We receive multiple complaints about goose droppings on the ball field and in the town common every year. Above being unsightly, this poses a serious public health concern. Goose feces are know to contain bacteria and pathogens that are hazardous to humans. These include, common parasites, giardia, MRSA coliform and E. coli. A more serious disease associated with goose waste is “Cryptosporidium.” If contracted, this can cause a condition in humans that could prove fatal. In 1993, over 400,000 people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin were effected by this disease and 100 died!
In keeping with our animal control responsibilities, we have come up with a Goose Mitigation Plan to humanely remedy the problem. Previously, the only option we had was to use a ballistic device that shot a firecracker like distraction round at the geese. I found this to not only be ineffective, but disturbing to the public and somewhat dangerous. We knew we could come up with a better solution.
Our program is going to involve the placement of two types of devices that mimic natural predators, as well as a noise device that is disturbing to the geese. The natural predator devices will look like an owl with flapping wings, placed high, and a coyote, placed at ground level. This should place the geese in fear of predation, and motivate them to find a better place to frequent. The noise device, which will be remotely activated at random times during the week, will emit sounds that geese associate with predators, and also hopefully make them head for calmer waters!
We are going to begin this program tomorrow, May 1st and monitor it’s effectiveness. We will not be using the noise device after dark or during the weekends as it could disturb patrons or domestic animals using the area during peak times. Of course an important aspect of this effort is for the public to AVOID FEEDING THE GEESE! Feeding waterfowl can create overcrowding, increase the spread of disease and malnutrition. What you think may be an idyllic pastime is actually harming these wild birds.
Our hope is that these efforts will improve public safety and health, in a non-destructive manner and encourage the geese to move on safely and humanely. Your efforts in this project would be a big help!
Regards,
Chief Chris Perley
Jackson Police Department