Canada Geese: Aggressive Herbivores
Canada Geese and other breeds tend to be quite aggressive, especially towards other birds and any wildlife that comes close to the areas they are nesting in. In metropolitan areas geese often look for bodies of water to live and nest in, which results in regular interactions with people in parks, or in other public areas. When people, pets, or other wildlife get too close to bird nests the geese become very defensive and aggressive and they may attack. While they are generally considered herbivores, geese have been known to eat fish on occasion, and they aren’t afraid to fight with other waterfowl or anything they believe to be a predator.
Ecological Impact of Geese Feces on Local Ecosystem
The unfortunate reality is that geese are quite invasive and flocks sometimes take over an area as their own. Because each goose produces such large amounts of waste a flock of geese can quickly have a dramatic impact on a small area. Each bird produces up to 2 pounds of waste per day, so the waste from a handful of birds in a short timespan can cause damage to the ecosystem in the area around where the geese nest. The ecological impact can be harmful to fish, birds, and other wildlife that reside in the area. Even though geese often migrate and don’t permanently live in one location, bodies of water and the surrounding areas can be impacted even after the birds leave. Geese waste can cause toxins to runoff into the water source causing it to be contaminated further. Geese waste can impact natural algae blooms, spread diseases, parasites, and pathogens that can all cause damage to the wildlife and ecosystem.
Algae Blooms
One major environmental impact that is caused by an excess of geese waste is the changes that occur in natural bodies of water. The migration and nesting patterns of geese can impact not only the immediate area but the wildlife that lives nearby. Many pounds of daily waste from Canada geese adds up very quickly resulting in an imbalance in pond water or other still bodies of water. Overall the environmental impact that geese can have depends on a variety of factors, but oftentimes geese migrate and nest in larger groups which make bigger impacts than individual Canada geese. The high levels of geese waste in a body of water boost the overall intensity of natural algae blooms which occur. When this happens the oxygen levels in the water can rapidly become depleted leaving fish and other wildlife in danger. The depleted oxygen is likely to cause problems with aquatic animals that live in the pond, lake, or other bodies of water.
Parasites & Other Toxicants
Geese feces is known to contain many contaminants and diseases that can cause infections. These dangerous pathogens and toxicants can be in the form of parasites, bacteria, and more. When some animals come into contact with geese feces that has contaminants there is a possibility they can become sick, and in some cases these illnesses can become lethal or cause damage to organs. People should be careful if they plan to visit areas like a pond, lake, or other body of water and be on the lookout for excess geese feces. If a dog comes in contact with geese feces it could be dangerous for them. It is very important to monitor a dog’s behavior after coming in contact with any feces. They may need a veterinarian in order to manage their symptoms safely. Occasionally goose feces can spread salmonella, E. coli, and other dangerous contaminants.
Protozoan Parasites
A common parasite found in geese feces are Protozoan parasites, a single-cell organism that can easily infect dogs through direct contact with geese waste, or through water that has been contaminated. These parasites can sometimes spread to humans and cause illness.
Experts on Geese Control & Removal
We believe in providing goose control and removal services that are humana and follow guidelines set by federal law to protect wildlife. The Goose Masters staff utilizes trained Border Collies that have specialty training to make the geese believe they are being stalked by prey. This bird control service is the safest and most humane way to remove geese and stop the birds from annual nesting in your area or on your property.
Dealing with Wildlife
Many people see geese as entertaining, cute, charming animals, however when you get close to them they can become quite aggressive. We always encourage clients not to feed Geese since they will generally go where food is easily accessible. Whether you’re fishing at a lake or taking your dog for a walk around a pond it is important to observe the wildlife behavior and be aware of potentially aggressive geese and geese waste. Contact Goose Masters to learn more about our services and how we can help solve your geese problems.
Pathogens Found in Geese Feces Dangerous to Humans and Pets
An abundance of geese in one area always results in an excess of geese feces, which can have adverse effects on the surrounding wildlife whether they are nesting near a man-made body of water, or at a nature preservation site. It is also important for people to be aware of potential problems that can arise after coming in contact with geese feces or water that is contaminated with geese feces. Pathogens like E. coli and salmonella are extremely dangerous and can spread easily through geese waste. Canada Geese often migrate and nest in groups which means when several geese are in a body of water it is likely that there are many more geese in the immediate area. These pathogens can cause damage to our bodies, and our pets, and they can be dangerous if symptoms are not managed.
High Levels of Geese Waste
Geese produce a rather large amount of fecal waste for their size, and without utilizing professional control methods the waste can add up very quickly. Geese are known to produce up to two pounds of waste per bird each day. Canada geese flocks can include hundreds of birds all living in one area. Over the span of just a week, one flock of geese can produce thousands of pounds of waste.
Tracking Geese Migration
It is common with many species of birds to migrate at different parts during the year for food accessibility, a warmer climate, nesting opportunities, and warmer bodies of water to make their temporary homes. As a part of their instinctive biology Canada geese often return to the same areas throughout their migration patterns, and it is our understanding that these birds use navigation methods to find their makeshift homes year after year. These higher geese populations result in an ecological impact that if left unchecked can cause damage to the local environment and the wildlife.
Annual Nesting Migration Spots
Those who study geese have found that in some circumstances these birds will return to the same areas for years, even up to a decade. Because a goose will sometimes stay with its flock for a very long time their numbers can increase, and as they return to the same area year after year their population grows. Property management should be aware that if ignored Canada Geese problems only grow over time and the humane, legal methods used in goose control services become less effective. If geese migration has impacted the area around your property we advise you to contact a professional goose management service like Goose Masters sooner rather than later.
Why Local Bodies of Water Become a Safe Haven for Geese
Like many wildlife animals birds are drawn to open bodies of water for multiple survival based reasons. Even in areas where these bodies of water are man-made, full of people and their pets, and surrounded by metropolitan disturbances geese still can find safety. Recreational areas with a pond or lake, such as parks, are often frequented by people who are interested in the birds and will provide them with food as entertainment. Because these recreational areas are typically kept very clean and wildlife that is considered more dangerous often relocated geese feel very at home. Without limiting flock growth and enforcing geese control methods these local communities can become a safe area for geese. Geese are drawn to open bodies of water as a means of self preservation and protection. They are able to provide a safe nesting site for young geese that allows them protection from predators in the area. If any predators approach the geese can quickly escape across the water, often moving faster than predators who are likely to attack.
How Humane Geese Removal Services Works
Utilizing professional methods Goose Masters has trained Border Collies who have been trained by dog handlers to mimic a prey hunting the geese. These birds can seem tame, but are wildlife and can be very aggressive if provoked. Our Border Collies stalk the geese to make them uncomfortable and train the birds to leave and potentially nest in a new area. Taking the severity of the bird infestation into account we may visit one area multiple times per day in order to have the greatest impact on the geese.
Gimmick Removal Techniques
As experts we have seen many unofficial methods of trying to deter geese from nesting in different areas. We have worked with clients who have tried using fake alligators, motion activated devices, ultrasonic sounds, and many more gimmicks. We have seen first hand how these don’t work well, and in the rare cases that they do the geese will eventually return to the same area. Methods like utilizing Border Collies are proven to work and are both a humane and safe way of removing geese.
Dealing with Goose Management as a Renter
Geese infestations don’t just take over recreational or public areas, but can cause problems with people living or working at a leased property as well. Canada geese are drawn to open spaces where predators won’t be able to attack as easily such as large apartment complexes, assisted living facilities, company headquarters, hospital sites, and other properties. Wildlife can become erratic and dangerous, especially when nesting and can become aggressive towards people in the area. Tenants of both commercial and residential properties who are dealing with wild geese can contact their property management team to request goose management services. [Goosemasters] uses humane techniques for geese removal. Techniques used by Goose Masters make the birds feel like they are being stalked by other wildlife and encourage them to relocate. For more information on this service and other services we offer feel free to reach out to us today!
Contact Goose Masters for Geese Control
Geese infestations are rarely solved by non-professional methods of scaring away the birds. Goose Masters specialized in management of all species of geese and can offer services to drive them away from your area. If you’re dealing with issues regarding geese contact Goose Masters to learn more about bird control, identification, and our professional geese removal services. The team at Goose Masters uses professional control techniques in order to train the geese to now return to your area and over time we can greatly reduce the wildlife birds that are creating problems on your property. Canada Geese can be very stubborn and aggressive, and working with a professional geese removal service is the best way for people to rid themselves of a wildlife infestation.
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