Godair coyote rotations keep the geese away

A menacing coyote lurks in the tall grass surrounding a tranquil pond in Godair Park in Burr Ridge. Posturing in attack mode, the creature bares its teeth to muscle out unwelcome geese and waterfowl to the peaceful setting.

A closer look finds the coyote stationary in the turf. Only a gusty wind causes its furry tail to sway. You see, Yote the Coyote, as Godair Park and Ruth Lake Woods residents like to call him, isn’t the real deal. He’s a rubber, grey-with-brown speckles decoy that’s designed to scare the Canada geese away. Staked in the ground, he has the look of a prowling animal seeking its prey.

To keep things looking real, more than a dozen residents have joined force to move Yote daily to keep the geese away. The constant movement gives Yote some credibility with the water fowl. The more Yote moves, the less the geese gather.

“For years we have had a problem with too many geese,” explains Bob Barnes, a 10-year Godair Park resident who’s been frustrated with the messes left by the birds. “We have a beautiful walking path surrounding our pond and it was impossible to be on the path without stepping on the droppings of about two dozen birds.”

The Godair Park property, owned and managed by the King-Bruwaert retirement community, falls under the oversight of Natalie Zelman, director of landscaping and and grounds. A few years ago, Zelman brought in a herding dog, a Australian shepherd named Rinde, who made a daily visit to the pond. However, when Rinde retired, the geese returned.

Residents learned about the coyote decoy after reading a news story and decided to employ the tactic several years ago.  Barnes first stepped up to volunteer his services to move the coyote. After talking to neighbors, he was given the green light to form a team of monthly coyote movers. Besides Barnes, decoy-movers include his wife, Diane, Jim DeTrana, Mia DeTrana, Nancy Daisley, Marsha Moran, Tom Moran, Jim Strafaci, Sandra Strafaci, Gretchen Wolf, Marietta Long, Joe Malek, Bob Vogele, Ruth Vogele, Lillemor Wennes, Dr. John Cavenagh, Madeline Cavenagh, Jean Dressler and Mary Randa.

Neighborhood residents appreciate the group’s effort to control the number of geese. It is not uncommon for Canada geese to establish nesting territories near ponds, along golf courses or in retention/detention areas. Just one pair of geese can easily flock to 50 birds that contaminate the area with their messes. One goose can generate 1- to 2 pounds of droppings a day. Godair Park and Ruth Lake Woods have been goose-free now for about five years.

During a recent annual social gathering of the decoy-moving team, the mood was upbeat as participants exchanged pride in their coyote rotations. They believe they are coping responsibly with the ongoing environmental conflict between man and geese.

“We have a nice group of people who like to work together,” Barnes said. “The best part of this experience is that we can use our walking path and enjoy our backyards without the messes. We’ve developed a real neighborly bond – and we all have a stake in the program thanks to Yote.”