Use caution around nesting geese: Guelph Humane Society

A word of warning from the Guelph Humane Society to be extra careful around any nesting geese you come across.

Whether you’re taking a gander at a gander, or see a female goose incubating, be sure to give them plenty of space.

The next three to four weeks is their nesting period and that means geese “parents” will be extra testy because they’re protecting their eggs.

Canada geese tend to exhibit heightened aggression at this time of year, and they’re already not the nicest on a good day.

You should leave them alone and it’s illegal to disturb or damage their nests because they’re protected birds.

Lisa Veit is executive director of the Guelph Humane Society. In a release, she said they’ve been hearing from concerned callers about geese nesting sites in “unconventional” locations.

“However, such locales, including parking lots, align with geese’s nesting preferences,” Veit said. “They seek flat, unobstructed spaces devoid of substantial vegetation, affording them visibility to potential threats from all directions.”

Veit added that after the eggs hatch, geese and their offspring vacate their nesting site to find a body of water.

“This phase is critical for geese. Should they nest near busy entrances, consider utilizing alternate entry points and posting notices to deter disturbances.”

The Guelph Humane Society is also urging drivers to be extra vigilant on roadways as sadly, several geese have been fatally struck by vehicles in recent weeks.

If you do see a goose that is sick, injured, or orphaned — you can contact the Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091.