Canada GooseThe adaptable Canada goose, in many locations, is becoming unmanageable. (Photo David A. Murray)

North America's most common goose, the Canada goose, is becoming a little too common for many people. As the population of this species continues to grow, so do its year-round geographical range and the problems associated with its newfound habitats.

The Canada goose is one of the few goose species easily identified. One of the most recognizable characteristics of the Canada goose is its white "chin strap." This "chin strap" starts behind the eye on one cheek and extends under the chin and up the cheek to the other side of the bird's head. The black neck and head accentuate the white "chin strap" and make this an obvious characteristic of the bird. The body plumage is a combination of streaked brown and cream-colored feathers, with the breast feathers usually more of a solid whitish-cream color.

Another identifying characteristic of the Canada goose is the loud familiar "honking" call. This call can often be heard as a flock passes overhead in the traditional "V" shaped flight formation.

The Canada goose is one of the most adaptable species of geese. In fact, many of the current problems are due to this extreme adaptability. Traditionally, this goose lived in or near water. Lakes, rivers, estuaries, bogs, and marshy areas all supported a healthy population of Canada geese. Flocks also frequented grasslands and cornfields, as a source of food. However, as natural habitat loss continues to escalate out-of-control, the population has adapted to less traditionally suitable environments.

Mild winters in the northern regions account for large flocks of geese foregoing migration for a year-around residence in what was once a seasonal location. Contrary to many critters experiencing declining populations due to habitat loss, the Canada goose, with its extreme adaptability, is flourishing. Also contributing to the population growth is the lack of predators present in the current habitats occupied by this goose.

The growing goose population requires large areas for nesting sites and food sources. However, as the goose population has grown, so has the human population; and like the goose, as our population increases so do the needs for more housing and the commercial development that follows. The growth conflict is obvious. As we utilize more land for development, fill in marshy areas and turn farm fields into golf courses, the goose conflict continues to escalate to unmanageable proportions.

The Canada goose can be aggressive and often fearless when it comes to defending its territory or family members. Habituation to humans and human activity, along with their aggressive nature, has produced rapidly increasing numbers of conflicts among geese, people, and development. This is particularly evident in the major cities along the east coast.

A recent winter trip to Boston provided an enormous amount of evidence of the severity in this conflict. Traditionally, there would not be geese here in the winter; this is when the Canada goose would have migrated out of this area. However, after driving around the city for a short time, literally hundreds of Canada geese were seen comfortably (for the geese anyway) coexisting with humans and human activity. Along the Charles River, groups of geese occupied almost every location where the snow had melted and exposed vegetation. Joggers and bike riders dodged the geese as they dominated the sidewalks. Boldly, small flocks of Canada geese crossed busy streets as cars dangerously weaved to avoid them. Driving west of Boston, into the suburbs, increased the number of sightings. Wintering geese were everywhere.

I drove to an apartment complex, in one of the Boston suburbs, to visit some friends. The complex, built on land that was once agricultural farmland, had a small stream that once irrigated the fields but now bordered the apartment complex. Here, the geese have adapted to a year-round existence. Years ago, once the stream was frozen, these geese would have moved on, but now they wait out the winter with the rest of the apartment complex's inhabitants.

Deep snow covered the ground, and the only open areas in the complex were the walkways and parking lots. Here, geese could be seen everywhere, sitting or walking on the sidewalks and through the parking lots. Of course, this is not only a problem due to the aggressive geese often refusing to yield the right-of-way to people walking along the sidewalks; but, the geese also left their "calling cards" along the walkway. Walking from your apartment to your car was like traveling through a minefield. At night, it was almost impossible not to bring a goose souvenir, on the bottom of your shoe, into the apartment with you. This has naturally produced an enormous problem for the apartment complex owner and the residents.

There are many other examples of Canada goose conflicts; from over-population at city parks, to large flocks inhabiting golf courses, to numerous traffic jams and accidents occurring regularly. Unfortunately, this is yet another example of humans altering the natural balance between wildlife and its habitat, and the subsequent conflicts and problems that result.

Both development and wildlife management need extensive evaluation and planning prior to beginning projects that affect the natural environment and create habitat loss for wildlife. Issues concerning wildlife can be addressed with less expense, evaluated more thoroughly, and with greater success, if planning is done before a conflict exists.

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