Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
There is concern that the increasing numbers, broader distribution, and inability to distinguish giant Canada geese from other large forms of Canada geese is adversely impacting databases for population size, distribution, and harvest estimates. Giant Canada geese are beginning to make a significant contribution to the overall goose harvest in several states, but the magnitude needs to be better understood.
Resident flocks have become a valuable recreational and educational resource in many urban areas. As populations increase, nuisance complaints increase and public tolerance decreases. Problems occur in urban areas when large numbers of geese are associated with public water reservoirs, golf courses, recreational areas, industrial parks, airports, and private lawns. Crop depredations are increasing during the planting and growing seasons in the northern states. Geese also are alleged to pose human health hazards and create traffic problems in some areas. A variety of control methods have been used, with major emphasis on trapping and translocation to limit population growth and hunting to further reduce population levels where needed. These actions have met with limited success. More effective control methods are needed.