Geese overpopulation poses significant health risks and detrimental effects on public and private spaces. One of the primary concerns is the accumulation of droppings, which can lead to the spread of diseases such as E. coli, salmonella, and avian influenza. These health hazards are particularly problematic in areas frequented by children and the elderly, where the immune systems might be more vulnerable. Moreover, excessive goose populations can overgraze lawns, leading to soil erosion and the destruction of native plants, which further disrupts local ecosystems. Tackling these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including habitat modification, the use of deterrents, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the negative impacts of geese on health and the environment.

Geese Facts and Numbers

  • Altered Migration Patterns: There are an estimated 3.5 – 5 million resident geese in the U.S. – However, out of those vast numbers, only around half of them actually migrate. While some stay year-round in their breeding and nesting grounds, others opt for a short-distance migration or skip it entirely. But what about the remaining 3.5 million geese? These birds have altered their migration patterns due to human influence and habitat changes. With an abundance of food sources available in urban and suburban areas, they no longer need to travel long distances to survive. This change in behavior has caused concerns for many people living near large populations of Canada geese.

  • Daily Grass Consumption: One of the main reasons for concern is the amount of grass these geese consume daily. Adult Canada geese can eat up to 3 pounds of grass per day, which can quickly add up in areas with dense populations.This excessive grazing can damage lawns, golf courses, and other green spaces, causing frustration for property owners and managers. But beyond just aesthetic concerns, there are also environmental impacts to consider. Impact on Ecosystems: Canada geese are considered opportunistic herbivores, meaning they will feed on whatever is available to them. In urban and suburban areas where they have access to well-manicured lawns and plants,

  • Advocating for a Balanced: DEC continues to advocate for a reduction in the number of Canada geese in New York State to 85,000 birds (from what has since grown to 364,000 birds in spring 2019). We believe that a much smaller resident goose population would best serve diverse public interests. Read More »

  • Daily Waste of Adult Canada Geese: Another issue that often arises with large populations of Canada geese is the amount of waste they produce on a daily basis. A single adult goose can produce up to 1-2 pounds of waste per day, which can quickly accumulate and create unsanitary conditions in public spaces. This not only affects the cleanliness of these areas but also poses potential health hazards for humans and other animals.

Geese and E. coli

  • 2 studies characterized E. coli in goose feces found in urban environments
  • In a Fort Collins, CO study, the overall prevalence of pathogenic E. coli in Canada goose feces was found to be 25% (Kullas, et al. 2002)
  • 4 general potentially pathogenic E. coli and 2 virulence factors were identified. 1 virulence factor is known to produce severe diarrhea, while the other is associated as a causative agent of infantile meningitis
  • Researchers also quantified the amount of feces in parks, estimating that a person taking a 1-mile walk in a park was likely to physically come in contact, on the bottom of his or her shoes, with 4-8 piles of feces that contained virulence determinants

*Source: Avian Diseases: Carriage of Bacterial Pathogens by Canada Geese and Blackbirds United States Department of Agriculture National Wildlife Research Center. 2002.