Two simple steps to deter geese

June 06, 2022| Environment

By: Holly Odgers

With their black-and-white faces, characteristic “honk,” and distinctive ‘V’ formation during flight, Canada geese are one of the most widely recognized birds in New Jersey. These large waterfowl, which have readily acclimated to people and man-made habitats, have seen their numbers steadily rise in New Jersey, presenting public health and environmental problems.

Negative Impacts

According to Rutgers Cooperative Extention, an overabundant Canada goose population can negatively impact ecosystems by displacing other native waterfowl and overgrazing natural habitats, particularly along shorelines, reducing plant species diversity and increasing erosion and sedimentation of water bodies. In addition, excessive quantities of fecal matter both in and around water bodies lead to excess phosphorus and nitrogen, which can lead to a depletion in dissolved oxygen levels, increased weeds, and an increased possibility of algae and harmful algal blooms.  

Did You Know? 

• A Canada goose poops about 28 times a day, producing up to 2 lbs. of droppings daily!
• Goose poop can contaminate lake water with bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella making it unsafe for swimming! 
• Goose poop increases phosphorus levels in the lake, promoting harmful algae blooms. In fact, four adult geese can produce as much phosphorus as one septic system!
• It is estimated that just one adult goose can produce a half-pound of phosphorus per year, which has the potential to produce 550 lbs. of wet algae! 

What Can You Do?

Below are two simple and effective methods to assist with the reduction of Canada geese on Lake Hopatcong.

1. DON’T FEED GEESE - Geese will gather where they are fed and refuse to move on. Canada geese do not need food from humans, even baby geese, or goslings, are able to find nutritionally appropriate food for themselves. Feeding geese “human food,” like bread, is not only unhealthy for them, it also hastens their digestive process, increasing defecation. 
    
2. PLANT SHORELINE BUFFERS - One of the best and most cost-effective ways to reduce Canada geese is to modify their habitat around the lake, so it doesn’t appeal to them. Canada geese are grazers and their favorite food is grass. They are most comfortable foraging and nesting in open grassy areas along shorelines where they can easily see and escape predators. To make an area less attractive to geese, reduce lawn areas and sight lines by incorporating a vegetative buffer along shorelines, creating a barrier between grassy areas and water. A general rule of thumb is to create a vegetative buffer along as much of the shoreline as possible with native plants that are at least knee-high. You can find out more about the best plants for shoreline buffers in this post by Solitude Lake Management.

For more information, you can visit this information guide on goose management from The Humane Society. And you can help spread the word by sharing this PDF flyer!