Canadian Geese: How to deal with them legally.

The Canada goose (Branta canadensis) is a wild native of North America that has been introduced to many other parts of the world. Post-industrialization, all birds are protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

What does the Migratory Birds Convention Act do?

The Migratory Birds Convention Act (also known as the MBCA) is a Canadian legislation passed in 1917 and significantly updated in June 1994 that regulates the protection of migratory birds, their eggs, and their nests from being destroyed by wood harvesting, hunting, trafficking, and commercialization.

It is very important to note that the Canadian goose falls under this act. This means that it is illegal to harm one of these birds due to their migratory status.

Can I kill Geese in Mississauga?

No. This act also implies that the Canadian goose, like any other Canadian bird on this list, can not be hurt or killed without facing very serious consequences by law.

The continuous expansion of residential areas near waterways has contributed to the Canada goose occupation of new habitats, which has continued to cause problems. Unfortunately, they are an aggressive species that can pose multiple threats.

What kind of problems can geese cause?

• Geese can be dangerous or annoying to people in a variety of ways. Canada geese may be a significant safety hazard to aircraft at airports, producing hazardous takeoff and landing conditions, and most airports have aggressive hazing campaigns to reduce the danger.

• Nesting Canada geese will aggressively defend their nesting grounds, and aggressive pairs can sometimes result in injuries, especially to small children or domestic animals.

• Large flocks of Canada Geese can denude grassy areas, including parks, pastures, golf courses, lawns, and other landscaped areas where the grass is kept short and where there are ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water nearby, necessitating expensive turf-management activities by landowners.

• Goose droppings in specific locations where many people and geese co-exist, such as golf courses, parks, and beaches, can be a problem. Overgrazed pastures and poor water quality have increased as Canada's Goose populations have expanded, causing agricultural and natural resource damage including depredation of grain crops.

• Geese may also compete with conservation agencies for other species or sensitive ecosystems' objectives. This battle occurs when geese aggress on other animals directly or indirectly via the grazing's effect on habitats.

What to do when you have a geese problem?

Knowing how to get rid of them humanely but effectively is important if you have a Canadian goose problem. They tend to be stubborn once they decide to stay near your property, and eliminating them on your own without the right tools or expertise can be dangerous. You need experts that can scare and remove these birds in a safe manner.

Here are 6 Things You Should Know When Dealing with Goose Removal in Mississauga:

1. Don't feed geese!

Canadian geese were once solely wild birds that had no connection with humans. Since the arrival of European settlers, these animals have adapted to the introduction of food sources offered by humans.

Numerous studies have shown that well-fed geese are more likely to be aggressive towards people and pets than hungry geese. The reason is quite simple: hunger makes them afraid, so they try everything they can to protect themselves. Don't make their task easier by feeding them!

2. Keep your distance!

Canadian geese can fly up to 50 mph (80 km/h), and they will use this speed and their 1-foot long wingspan as weapons if they feel threatened. They might not hurt you, but the injuries caused by flying debris or a direct hit can be severe! Don't approach Canadian geese or their nests, and keep your pets away from them as well.

3. Never scare a mother goose!

A mother Canada goose will do anything to protect her eggs or goslings. If you notice a nest on your property, stay away from it at all costs! Even if the parents are nowhere in sight, they could be hiding nearby, easily scared away by loud noise or sudden motion. If you need to clear a nest, it is best to have an animal control service do the job for you.

4. Be cautious in April and May!

Canada geese usually lay between 4-8 eggs, with the average clutch size being 6. During this period, make sure you keep your distance from nests, even if they are empty. As the date gets closer to hatching, the parents will be more protective of their brood.

5. Know the laws!

Canadian geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, which means that it is illegal to hunt or capture them without a special permit. If you notice someone harming Canadian geese in your area, call Animal Services right away.

6. Always contact an Animal Control Specialist!

Getting rid of Canadian geese can be difficult, especially when there are young goslings in the picture. This is not something we recommend you attempt by yourself. With our years of experience in animal control, we have dealt with hundreds of Canadian geese and know just what to do to eliminate the problem safely and humanely.

If you are looking for Canadian goose control in Ontario of Canada or anywhere else in the GTA, contact Hawkeye today