Geese in an urban setting can lead to problems when large numbers gather in a relatively small setting, such as at Prince's Island Park. Please respect the signs in our parks and refrain from feeding geese.
The problem with geese
Geese can become very aggressive to people, including young children or the elderly who may get too close to these large birds. In the past, geese have been known to charge and attack people, especially when goslings are present.
Large numbers of geese also pose a big problem with excrement. Often, pathway users can slip on the droppings and park visitors may be unable to sit on the grass to enjoy the many festivals and beautiful summer days.
A large non-migratory goose population in a confined area is at risk of contracting disease, which can be highly contagious and devastating for the bird population.
What we’re doing
When it is necessary to address pest problems with geese in Calgary, goslings are carefully collected and removed from select sites where the birds have been a problem in the past. Once removed, the goslings are taken to a federally licensed expert who cares for the birds for three to four weeks until they are old enough to survive on their own. Then, the geese are released into rural wetlands , such as Ducks Unlimited lands or provincial fish and game reserves where migratory flocks with young are found. Once freed, the young birds quickly adapt and join the migratory flocks in a more natural environment.
As part of The City’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan, provincial and federal wildlife authorities are consulted prior to any pest control actions dealing with wildlife that fall under the Alberta Wildlife Act or Federal Migratory Birds Act.