With their distinctive honks and propensity to graze on roadside grass, Canada geese are among the most ubiquitous of our wild neighbors.

And we’re the ones who invited them in: Once driven to the brink of extinction, the species was brought back by well-meaning people who released Canada geese throughout the United States. Suburban environments provide a food-rich home for geese, but communities often resort to lethal roundups when their presence (and their droppings) become a nuisance. However, there are humane alternatives to killing.

Solving Problems With Canada Geese

mother goose protecting her goslings
Bebedi
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iStock.com
Use common sense to avoid agitating geese.

Like all parents, geese are protective of their offspring. An adult goose who hisses or seems defensive is likely just defending her young. Any human in the area should back away slowly to avoid scaring her even further.

Snow goose shows up in central Florida
Other species of geese still suffer within the foie gras industry. The product—which is a duck or goose’s fatty liver—is produced by force-feeding the birds, often through pipes or tubes shoved down their throats.
Karyn Honor
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Alamy Stock photo
Did you know?

Many populations of Canada geese don’t migrate, instead living year-round in a single location. That’s because flocks released into the U.S. didn’t have parents to teach them how to migrate.

Two deer in a field

Every day, more and more wildlife habitats are lost to the spread of development. Your gift can help create more humane backyards to protect all animals. 

John Harrison