DEEP Guidelines on Euthanizing 'Nuisance' Geese Sparking Debate

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A set of guidelines released by state environmental officials about two weeks ago that says it's OK to "euthanize" what has been termed "nuisance geese" seems to have stirred quite the debate at a Southington retirement community.

Residents of the Spring Lake Village Condo complex told WTNH-TV they are divided about the geese and their droppings.

“It’s disgusting," said one resident. Another was "appalled" to hear destroying the geese was an option.

A vote should take place in about two weeks to decide that course of action to take.

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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection earlier this month began "reminding" residents and businesses that Canada Geese are returning and "now is the time to prepare for management of the nuisance Canada Geese."

Spring is the nesting season for resident Canada Geese, and they are among Connecticut's earliest spring nesters, DEEP officials said. Pairs will begin nesting between March and May, according to DEEP wildlife experts.

Recent survey work conducted by the DEEP Wildlife Division indicates that "nuisance geese plague many municipalities and homeowners across the state."

More than half of the of the state's towns experience problems with resident Canada Geese, DEEP officials said. Municipal leaders were polled recently for their opinions and they indicated the most common and persistent problem was the amount of fecal waste left on lawns, golf course fairways and greens, and in parks. Fecal waste in large quantities presents a human health hazard, leaving outdoor spaces unusable.

To avoid problems with geese – do not feed them, because feeding often leads to persistent goose problems, particularly in urban areas, DEEP wildlife experts said. It attracts geese to an area, keeps them there, and conditions them to lose their fear of humans, experts said.

The DEEP has developed a "Do Not Feed Waterfowl" pamphlet and sign that outline the detrimental effects of feeding geese and other waterfowl.
The pamphlet can be downloaded from the DEEP Nuisance Goose webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xnuFG.

The webpage also contains information about lethal and non-lethal options for dealing with goose problems. A limited number of "Do Not Feed Waterfowl" informational signs, which can be displayed at parks and other appropriate areas, are also available. For more information about the sign or to request one, call the Wildlife Division at 860-418-5960.

Once geese are attracted to an area, "hazing" becomes the most effective method of discouraging nesting, DEEP wildlife experts said. Hazing is a means of scaring geese from an area, with the intent of moving them to a location where they do not pose a nuisance, experts said.
The effectiveness of hazing is improved when several different techniques are employed and hazing efforts should start as soon as geese arrive on a property because they are more effective before nesting begins, DEEP wildlife experts said.

Destroying eggs or nests is prohibited unless otherwise authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at https://epermits.fws.gov/ercgr/.

If authorized, egg addling and nest destruction can be effective tactics, but they must be done in concert with hazing, DEEP wildlife experts said.

Connecticut Statutes allow for lethal control in limited instances and only in concert with a goose management plan, DEEP wildlife experts said. A plan ensures that steps are taken to deter future colonization and that any geese removed are offered to shelters to feed those in need, according to the DEEP.

The DEEP offers additional information on methods for the alleviation of goose problems.

Photo Credit: Paul Fusco/ DEEP Wildlife Division