Geese

Geese are commonly spotted throughout Strathcona County, particularly in early to late spring when they arrive after migration for breeding and nesting. These substantial birds return year after year to the same place to nest, before moving on to various feeding opportunities.

Family of geese swimming in a lake

Coexistence strategies to prevent interactions

Geese are protected by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and the provincial Wildlife Act.

Here are some important steps you can take to minimize negative interactions with geese and to prevent them from nesting on private property.

Do not feed them – The feeding of all wildlife in parks is prohibited through the Parks Bylaw 21-2013. Feeding wild animals can make them bolder and more aggressive towards humans. 
Give them space - Geese may show aggression by hissing, spitting or flapping their wings. If you are approached by or hissed at by a goose, back away, as they may also bite. Give them space when passing by.
Respect the nest -  Geese are protected under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and the provincial Wildlife Act. Geese are aggressive defenders of their nests. Geese, eggs and nests cannot be relocated, except in very rare circumstances by professionals. Once the goslings have hatched, the geese will move on to find water. 
Remove potential nesting areas before the geese arrive – Covering or removing potential nesting sites such as garden boxes, planters or piles of dirt/mulch prior to the nesting season will decrease the likelihood of a nest being constructed on your property. 
Naturalize gathering areas - Tall vegetation around shoreline areas near ponds or wetlands will discourage geese from walking onto adjacent lawns to rest and feed. 
Create barriers to your property – Fence shoreline areas to reduce access to your lawn.

Concerns

Please direct the following goose concerns to the appropriate organization:

Dead goose – Submit an inquiry through County Connect
Injured goose – Contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife or a local rescue association such as  WILDNorth
Agricultural production concerns related to geese – Contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I report aggressive goose behaviour?
Permanent link to Do I report aggressive goose behaviour?
Do I report aggressive goose behaviour?

No, aggressive behaviour such as hissing, spitting or wing flapping doesn’t need to be reported. These are natural behaviours for geese (and many other wildlife) when approached by humans, particularly if they are defending their nest or goslings. You should never get close enough to a goose that they could actually bite you (because they might!).
2. There is a goose nest in a public area and I’m concerned about the safety of the eggs—what should I do?
Permanent link to There is a goose nest in a public area and I’m concerned about the safety of the eggs—what should I do?
There is a goose nest in a public area and I’m concerned about the safety of the eggs—what should I do?

Respect the nest and stay back. Geese are aggressive defenders of their nests. The best thing to do is to give the bird space to allow her to nest. Once the goslings have hatched, the geese will move on to find water. 
3. A goose has nested on my property—what should I do?
Permanent link to A goose has nested on my property—what should I do?
A goose has nested on my property—what should I do?

Respect the nest and stay back. Geese are aggressive defenders of their nests. Once the goslings have hatched, the geese will move on to find water.

Please note it is prohibited by law to harm these birds, or to disturb or destroy their eggs and nests, except in very rare circumstances by a professional.  Once a goose lays her eggs, they will hatch in about a month and then move on to find water.

To prevent geese from nesting on your property in the future, follow some of the steps outlined in the section “Manage or prevent interactions”.
4. Can the County help relocate a goose nest?
Permanent link to Can the County help relocate a goose nest?
Can the County help relocate a goose nest?

Geese, eggs and nests cannot be relocated, except in very rare circumstances. 

Geese are protected by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and the provincial Wildlife Act. It is prohibited by law to harm these birds, or to disturb or destroy their eggs or nests, except under specified conditions, such as hunting season and areas, or where there is a significant risk to public safety.