Press Releases

March 22, 2006
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

Keep the Geese Peace

MILWAUKEE – Canada Geese will begin nesting near ponds in local parks and other urban green spaces in the next few weeks. Occasionally geese will nest very close to human activity – in landscape planters and shrubbery and even two or more stories above ground on buildings.

Sometimes, goose droppings or the presence of the nesting birds near corporate walkways or in courtyards creates problems for people. To avoid these problems, there are a number of humane ways citizens can help dissuade geese from nesting on private property. It is important to do these things before the geese lay eggs.

·    Fencing: Erect barriers to restrict goose access to water and grazing areas. Low fencing made out of chicken wire or parallel strings attached to wooden slats stuck in the ground can keep geese off of areas you'd like to protect, or discourage them from nesting in planters, under shrubs, etc.

·    Repellents: The Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center sells a goose repellent formulated from food-grade ingredients that is diluted with water and sprayed on grass with a pump sprayer. The application renders the grass unpalatable for geese. To purchase this repellent, please stop by the Center at 4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue . Applying this repellent to grass before the geese start to nest can encourage them to nest elsewhere.

For more information about how to cope with geese, call the Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431-6204 or visit www.wihumane.org.

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Note: Scott Diehl, Wildlife Manager with the Wisconsin Humane Society, is available to demonstrate the mentioned techniques. To schedule a time, contact Michelle Pintar at (414) 431-6104.