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One of Canada's most iconic and recognizable birds is the Canada Goose. Highly intelligent and adaptable, geese increasingly inhabit urban spaces, parks, and even school grounds. With that come some concerns for children's and staff's health and safety. Let's explore the struggles schools face to control geese, as well as goose control methods for Aurora's schools and playgrounds.
Why Are Geese Attracted to Schools and Playgrounds?
Any open and green space makes a goose's heart sing - even better if located near water.
Playgrounds and Sports Fields
With their short cut grass, school grounds, sports tracks, and even playgrounds make for an ideal nesting and feeding area for geese. Geese look for open spaces, with a view supporting early predator detection.
Lack of Natural Predators
The mere constant presence of humans promises fewer natural predators such as coyotes and wolves, hence making for safer breeding sites.
Food Sources
Humans (little humans, in particular) tend to drop food on the ground or leave behind crumbs and crusts, and whatnots :) Your child's mid-day snack will also be enjoyed by a goose - if given the opportunity.
Nearby Water Sources
If we are looking at the GTA or Southern Ontario as a whole, water is never very far away. If your school or playground happens to be near Lake Ontario, a pond, or a retention basin, it provides a perfect environment for nesting geese and their offspring.
Risks of Geese in School Environments
Aggressive Behaviour Toward Students and Staff
- During nesting season (March to June), geese become extremely territorial and may chase, hiss, or even attack students and staff who unknowingly wander too close to their nests.
- Young children are especially vulnerable as they may not recognize the warning signs of an aggressive goose and/or don't know how to deescalate a confrontation.
Health Hazards
- Goose Droppings
Goose droppings are highly unsanitary and contain bacteria like E coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium. They can and will contaminate surfaces and areas frequently used by children. - Feathers
Feathers can also carry a multitude of parasites and bacteria - and children adore collecting and playing with feathers. - Increased Presence of Insects
Geese (especially their droppings) attracts insects, further degrading the hygiene of school or playground surfaces and equipment.
Slip-and-Fall Risks
- Large amounts of droppings on walkways, outdoor seating areas, and playground equipment increase the risk of students or staff slipping and falling.
- Schools with outdoor sports fields may also face maintenance challenges due to excessive droppings.
Goose Control Strategies for Aurora Schools
All work with geese requires permits. Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Timing is critical! Schools should inspect the grounds as soon as Canada geese return to Ontario - in early spring (March-April) and contact a licensed and experienced wildlife control professional.
- Goose Nest Removal
As soon as geese build nests, the nests need to be removed (destroyed) and covered up with plywood. Getting rid of goose nests may have to be repeated to convince the geese to move on to a safer breeding and nesting site. - Falconry
Your qualified geese management partner will fly an eagle above school property after students have left. The presence of the bird of prey signals an unsafe environment to the geese below. - Chasing Geese with Dogs
Following the eagle flying, trained dogs will haze (or chase) the geesse from the site. Geese are not harmed in the process. - Lasers
Green lasers can be used in low light or after dusk to further unsettle the geese and make them leave of their own accord.
Take Action During School Vacations
Summer break is the perfect time for geese relocation without disrupting students. Mid summer is also the time when geese molt and are rendered flightless for a few weeks.
- Geese Relocation
Geese relocation requires some advance planning. It involves rounding geese up and transporting them to a previously chosen and approved location along their natural migration route. - Landscape Modifications
Planting shrubs or longer ornamental grasses or erecting low fences can deter geese from nesting again in school yards in the following season.
Establish a No-Feeding Policy and Educate Students & Staff
Geese (and other wildlife) should never be fed human fare. Our foods are generally highly processed and do not satisfy the nutritional requirements of geese. Additionally, by filling up on junk food, they lose interest in foraging for more appropriate feed. Feeding wildlife is prohibited in most municipalities in and around the GTA. Aurora residents are urged to avoid feeding geese.
Many students unknowingly encourage geese by feeding them. Schools should:
- Post clear "No Feeding the Geese" signs around playgrounds and eating areas.
- Educate students through assemblies or classroom lessons about why feeding geese increases problems rather than helping them.
- Instruct staff and custodians on proper waste disposal to prevent geese from finding food.
Partner with Local Wildlife Experts for Safe and Humane Goose Control and Removal in Aurora
- Schools can work with licensed wildlife control professionals to relocate or deter geese legally and humanely.
- Aurora schools should ensure they follow Ontario’s wildlife protection laws and obtain all necessary permits ahead of implementing any geese control methods.
Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control
For humane, effective and professional goose removal in Aurora, Newmarket, and the GTA, contact Hawkeye. Our 30+ years of experience, our expert falconers and our birds of prey, our dogs and our many other goose control methods ensure that your school has a geese management plan in place to get rid of geese from your Aurora schools and playgrounds. By planning ahead and implementing humane control measures, Aurora schools can maintain a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable environment for students and staff.
