Guelph Humane Society advises giving Canada geese a wide berth
Posted Apr 6, 2025 06:00:00 AM.
Last Updated Apr 7, 2025 10:14:18 AM.
Love ’em or hate ’em, it’s Canada goose nesting season and the Guelph Humane Society (GHS) has a few tips to prevent you running afoul of the cobra chickens.
In a press release, GHS stresses that the best thing for all involved is to simply avoid the birds in the first place, but that is easier said than done in some cases.
Canada geese tend to nest in wide open spaces to give them a clear view of predators approaching. While that is a good strategy for the birds, it oftentimes means they set up shop in places frequented by humans. It’s fairly common to see geese in parking lots or on golf courses.
Because Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, disturbing or moving a nest is illegal and humane societies are even prevented from relocating geese. That means for a few months each spring, people and geese have to find a way to coexist.
GHS recommends giving geese a wide berth or taking an alternate route if there is a nesting pair in the area.
Pet owners should keep their dogs on a leash. Not only is it required by bylaw, but it also prevents a nosey pup from stressing out geese on a nest and keeps the dogs away from the bird droppings.
Drivers will have to watch for geese crossing the road. Once the goslings hatch, their parents will begin walking them to nearby bodies of water. Sometimes, that means crossing roads. Geese are famous for their disregard for crosswalks or breaks in traffic.
Most of all, people just need to be patient. They’re only around for a month or two in the spring, and then they move on.
If you happen across a goose that is injured, orphaned or otherwise in distress, contact your local humane society, which will send professionals to help.
Resources
Kitchener Waterloo Animal Centre
250 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener, ON N2B 2E9
Phone: 519-745-5615
infokw@kwsphumane.ca
Guelph Humane Society
190 Hanlon Creek Blvd, Guelph, ON N1C 0A1
Phone: 519-824-3091
info@guelphhumane.ca
Stratford Perth Animal Centre
125 Griffith Road, Stratford, ON N5A 6S4
Phone: 519-273-6600
infosp@kwsphumane.ca
