Gravenhurst is hoping to give Canada geese the boot from Gull Lake.
During the most recent Gravenhurst council meeting, Michael von Kaitz from the Wildlife Management Group delivered a presentation outlining the organization’s strategies for managing the Canada Goose population at Gull Lake Rotary Park this year. The town has enlisted the company’s expertise to address a growing issue with geese and their effect on water quality at the park.
Von Kaitz emphasized that the program is rooted in the biology and behavioral characteristics of geese specific to this local flyway.
“Geese in Gravenhurst might respond differently than those along the shores of Lake Ontario and in the Greater Toronto Area,” he remarked. The Wildlife Management Group has been providing similar services to municipalities across Ontario, including Barrie, Orillia, and Hamilton, for the past 13 years.
He noted that while Canada geese are protected migratory birds, they can exhibit aggressive behaviour, and their droppings may contain harmful biological contaminants for humans. A significant component of the program involves assessment, and various control measures can be employed.
Von Kaitz mentioned lasers as an effective tool, particularly at night, as they can irritate geese that can see in the ultraviolet spectrum. Additionally, sounds, such as recordings of distressed seagulls, may encourage the geese to vacate certain areas. He explained that geese tend to associate the vehicles used in these efforts with the unpleasant lights and sounds, causing them to leave upon seeing the approach of those vehicles.
Fencing is another effective solution that has worked in other municipalities. As a last resort, the geese may be relocated.
“We take them to Club Med for geese on the shores of Lake Erie,” he said, referring to the relocation of geese from Barrie.
Von Kaitz reported that the program has achieved a 90% reduction rate in goose populations in other areas where it has been implemented. He added that the research phase of the project has already commenced, focusing on studying the patterns and populations of the local Canada goose population.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Click here to support local news
A 12 gauge shotgun will do the trick!