Canadian Geese Feces Can Equal 94% E. Coli in the Summer

ARVADA, Colo., June 2, 2011 - United States Wildlife Service demonstrated the presence of human pathogenic E. Coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter bacteria in geese feces. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/researchreports/report06.pdf According to the Center for Disease Control, Campylobacter, E. Coli, Cryptosporidium and Salmonella are just a few of the many health issues. http://www.cdc.gov/search.do?q=geese+feces&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&ud=1&site=default_collection Majestic and full grown the Canadian Geese eat 2.5 lbs of grass a day, leaving frequent deposits at the rate of 2 lbs a day. Ed Tomlinson of Arvada, Colorado says, "The Canadian geese population is doubling every 5 years or so and is a public health hazard. It's a controversial subject but in overpopulated golf courses, airports, parks, businesses, HOAs, and playgrounds the Department of Wildlife must allow more permits to fill local food banks nationwide." Best results? Lasers at night that disturb their sleep. http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/9/pdf/goose%20conflicts/gooseconflict-11.pdf Water ropes work for months, and then the ropes deteriorate.

1. Many localities are oiling the eggs with vegetable oil. That keeps the egg from gaining oxygen through the shell.
2. There are food type chemicals that can be spread around on grassy areas and this inhibits reproduction.
3. Native American Indians in Washington D.C. are harvesting them yearly, having them tested, dressing them and giving them to local food banks. They can only be rounded up during their molting season during the summer when they can't fly. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/about_aphis/programs_offices/anawg/downloads/ANAWG_newsletter_September_2009.pdf
4. There are lots of devices available. Some of these are hazing, using dogs, falcons, cardboard alligators, electronic-predator calls/eyes at night/geese warnings, fake predator signs, all kinds of noise makers, and different varieties of grass. Testing results are mixed or are short-lived as the geese get used to it.
5. Trapping is generally illegal. Killing is prohibited unless you get a United States Department of Wildlife permit.

  Background State and federal laws generally protect Canadian Geese. They were an endangered species in the 50's and reintroduced to the United States. The geese used to pass through the United States each year, but many are now staying year-round.

Melvin Wylie