Staff Reports
INDIANA — Canada geese. They’re everywhere: in Indiana’s lakes and rivers, housing complex retention ponds, and even in especially soggy wetlands and fields.
They seem to be flying south, yet they can be seen in Indiana year-round. And now that it’s February, it’s the time of year when Canada geese numbers begin to increase as they scout for prime nesting areas.
Geese prefer to nest near ponds or other water bodies that are surrounded by short, mowed grass. This provides them with a clear view of the surrounding area and access to fresh greens for grazing. Therefore, it’s no surprise to find them staking out — and aggressively defending — territory near office buildings, schools or apartment complexes.
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Canada geese standing guard near a nest can be intimidating, and even dangerous. In short, a Canada goose is not always a friendly neighbor.
Fortunately, strategies to dissuade geese from nesting nearby — called harassment techniques — can be implemented prior to egg laying to prevent geese from settling in at your home or business.
Harassment techniques — not intended to harm geese — include the use of noise-making devices such as air horns and recorded distress calls, visual devices such as scarecrows and eye-spot balloons, and water spray devices such as garden hoses or sprinklers. Harassment is more effective if multiple devices are used and if used at regular intervals for a minimum of two weeks.
Canada geese are intelligent and may become accustomed to harassment. To prevent this, vary the length, time and duration of harassment. If necessary, nests may be removed at any time, without a permit, as long as no eggs are present within the nest. Be aware that efforts to deter Canada geese will not be effective if food — such as bread or birdseed — is being provided.
For additional advice and information on managing Canada geese, visit .in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2996.htm.
