The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents and businesses that Canada Geese will soon be returning and now is the time to prepare for management of nuisance Canada Geese. Spring is the nesting season for resident Canada Geese, and they are among Connecticut’s earliest spring nesters. Pairs will begin nesting between March and May.

Recent survey work conducted by the DEEP Wildlife Division indicates that nuisance geese plague many municipalities and homeowners across the state. Over half of the towns experience problems with resident Canada Geese. Municipal leaders were polled recently for their opinions. The most common and persistent problem was the amount of fecal waste left on lawns, golf course fairways and greens, and in parks. Fecal waste in large quantities presents a human health hazard, leaving outdoor spaces unusable.

To avoid problems with geese – do not feed them. Feeding often leads to persistent goose problems, particularly in urban areas. It attracts geese to an area, keeps them there, and conditions them to lose their fear of humans. The DEEP has developed a “Do Not Feed Waterfowl” pamphlet and sign that outline the detrimental effects of feeding geese and other waterfowl. The pamphlet can be downloaded from the DEEP Nuisance Goose webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xnuFG. The webpage also contains a wealth of information about lethal and non-lethal options for dealing with goose problems. A limited number of "Do Not Feed Waterfowl" informational signs, which can be displayed at parks and other appropriate areas, are also available. For more information about the sign or to request one, call the Wildlife Division at 860-418-5960.

Once geese are attracted to an area, hazing becomes the most effective method of discouraging nesting. Hazing is a means of scaring geese from an area, with the intent of moving them to a location where they do not pose a nuisance. The effectiveness of hazing is improved when several different techniques are employed. Hazing efforts should start as soon as geese arrive on a property because they are more effective before nesting begins.

It is important to note that destroying eggs or nests is prohibited unless otherwise authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at https://epermits.fws.gov/ercgr/. If authorized, egg addling and nest destruction can be effective tactics, but they must be done in concert with hazing.

Connecticut Statutes allow for lethal control in limited instances and only in concert with a goose management plan. A plan ensures that steps are taken to deter future colonization and that any geese removed are offered to shelters to feed those in need.

Link for additional information on methods for the alleviation of goose problems.