Massachusetts Wildlife Officials on How to Chase Away Pesky Canada Geese

Canada geese seem to be everywhere we look these days. Like wild turkeys, the population of Canada geese has exploded in recent years.

According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, "Canada geese thrive in residential and suburban areas, and can sometimes become a nuisance."

"Prior to the 1930s, it was unusual for geese to nest here, yet today in Massachusetts you can find Canada geese any time of the year," MassWildlife said.

"There are two different populations of Canada geese in Massachusetts," the organization said. "The first is the migratory population which passes through in the spring and fall."

Massachusetts is a resting area for these migrating birds.

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"The second is the resident population: descendants of captive geese used by wildfowl hunters," Masswildlife said. "When live decoys were outlawed in the 1930s, many captive birds were released into the wild."

These are the geese you often see on lawns at houses, parks, ball fields, golf courses and other such places. They thrive as there are few natural predators.

The geese might be nice to see but there are problems.

"Canada geese produce a half pound to a pound and a half of droppings every day," MassWildlife said.

Goose Busters says, "Canada geese feces can be hazardous to people's health, but usually only when inhaled or ingested." The site says, "Walking past geese feces or even lounging near them on the beach is likely safe to healthy people."

According to Mass Audubon, you should not feed wild geese.

"Giving food to waterfowl can create many problems for birds and the environment," the group said.

MassWildlife says, "Putting out flags, tying aluminum pie plates along strings, and using scarecrows may help keep geese away from an area until they learn these objects pose no threat."

The geese need access to water so building barriers such as low fences, shrubs and chicken wire to prevent them from gaining access to water might discourage the birds from hanging around your place.