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Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 05 March 2025

Canada Geese are about to return to nest and spend their summer in Brampton and towns all over Ontario. Hopefully, you have your permits in place and you and your professional goose control partner have agreed on a geese management plan that focuses on disrupting the breeding and nesting cycle.

Like so many cities in our beautiful province, Brampton offers perfect breeding and feeding grounds for geese. Its many old cemeteries, parks, rivers, lakes, ponds and artificial bodies of water attract a large number of water fowl and other wildlife - and that doesn't come without challenges.

Geese Nest Removal in Brampton

Nest Removal is just one method to consider when making a geese management plan. Virtually all bird control measures require 2 or more methods employed simultaneously or one following another to ensure long term success. Canada geese have incredibly strong migration and nesting instincts. Geese will return to "their" Brampton nesting site year after year, so making that site unattractive is a non-lethal and humane way to make geese reconsider and change their choice of breeding location.

Geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and any interference with nests or eggs requires a permit.

Understanding the Challenge: Why Geese Nest Removal Is Necessary

Overpopulation

Since Canada Geese have adapted so well to living alongside humans and as there are fewer natural predators in urban centers like Brampton, more goslings survive their first year of life and  go on to continue the cycle of migration and breeding. Many female geese will return to and raise families (up to eleven wee ones in one season) where they themselves hatched and grow the size of the flock exponentially.

Public Safety

• Aggression
  During nesting season, both parents-to-be have very defined roles. The female tends to the eggs and the male provides for her and keeps the nest safe. He takes his job very seriously and aggressively defends his mate and the nest. With a steady increase in the Brampton goose population, geese attacks are on the rise. 
  
  
• Slip and Fall Accidents
  When an entire flock of geese congregates in a public park, marina, or other greenspace, there will be goose droppings. They are plentiful, messy, smelly, and slippery.
  
  
• Spread of Disease
  Birds carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites on feathers, and expel them through their droppings. Once dried, goose droppings and potential diseases become airborne.
  
  
• Bird Strikes
  We mainly think of aircraft when we hear the word bird strike but did you know that thousands of automobiles collide with geese every year. Due to their size, those collisions can be fatal. With its close proximity to Pearson International Airport as well as Hwy 410, this is a real concern for Brampton.
  
  

Property Damage

Golf Courses in particular suffer substantial and costly consequences from grazing geese. Young, fresh shoots are the most popular and will be decimated in no time - leaving grass unable to regenerate.  Goose dropping are unsightly, unsanitary, and somewhat dampen the experience.

Environmental Concerns

• Water Quality
  With the ongoing overpopulation of geese come concerns about water quality. Algae and bacteria such as E-coli contaminate many ponds, especially smaller ones.
  
  
• Soil Erosion
  Overgrazing at river banks and other waters' edges leads to soil erosion.

Read more: Geese Nest Removal in Brampton: Best Practices and Legal Considerations

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 28 February 2025

The city of Toronto, with plenty of green spaces and natural as well as artificial bodies of water makes for a fine home for Canada Geese, from spring to fall, or even year-round. From well kept golf courses and public parks to manicured residential lawns, the city offers plenty of perfect feeding and breeding grounds.

Geese have adapted very well to living alongside humans; their growing numbers might suggest they are thriving, even, and overpopulation is becoming a real concern. Join us as we explore geese relocation as one of the many efforts to deal with urban geese populations in Toronto.

Why Geese Overpopulation Is a Concern

Environmental and Public Health Issues

• Contaminated Water Sources
  A goose can produce up to 1.5 lbs of droppings per day, and this influx of fecal matter contributes to the spread of water-borne disease and harmful algal blooms.
  
  
• Aggressive Behaviour
  Geese are fierce protectors of their nests and eggs and aren't afraid to attack pedestrians, cyclists or anyone else inadvertently getting too close for comfort.
  
  
• Property Damage
  Even a small flock of geese can decimate a grassy area in no time at all (a day or two). Young shoots are destroyed and grass has no chance to regenerate. Huge losses are also recorded in agricultural areas with geese feeding on sown crops.
  
  

The Need for a Humane Solution

• Anything other than humane and non-lethal methods is a public relations nightmare for owners or managers of the types of spaces that require Goose Management, All geese control methods require permits. Geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
  
  
• Humane geese relocation as a follow-up to other control methods is a sustainable solution. When done correctly and at the right time, geese translocation eliminates further efforts for the rest of the year.
  
  

Benefits of Geese Relocation in Toronto

Long-Term Population Control

• Breaking the Cycle
  All geese control methods have one goal: to break the cycle and have the birds decide to not return on their own. After you've spent time and money to make the area unappealing for nesting geese, geese relocation is the last step in disrupting their habits. 
  
  
• You're Done for the Year
  After you've relocated your flock of geese to somewhere (far away) along their natural migration route, you no longer have a geese problem. The birds you've captured and dropped off in their new home will remain there until it's time to fly south for the winter.
  
  

Ethical and Humane Treatment

The control methods used before and including relocation are designed to annoy geese and disrupt their behavior, not harm them in any way. 

Reduced Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Around Airports and Busy Highways
  By far the greatest threat to human life is the occurrence of bird strikes.
  
  
• Parks and Public Spaces
  The green will be greener and your walk can be in a straight line instead of a zig zag around goose poop. The fear of aggressive geese and other health related concerns will be eliminated. 
  
  

Read more: Geese Relocation in Toronto: A Humane Approach to Population Control

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 27 February 2025

The Canada Goose - a well recognized and beloved bird - is making itself at home and creating quite the mess in urban areas, even going so far as foregoing the traditional migration south for the winter. In this post we'll explore why that is and how to deal with the challenges these geese present.

Cities like Toronto or many of the towns in the GTA (General Toronto Area) are seeing a pronounced increase in year-round geese population. After all, they provide a very suitable environment for geese what with all that water and green spaces, parks, golf courses, etc. It is time for municipalities to step in and deploy a sustainable urban goose management plan.

Why Are Geese Attracted to Urban Environments?

Availability of Food and Shelter

• Parks, Lawns, and Golf courses
  Geese love open green spaces with little obstruction; it makes for easy spotting of potential predators or nest robbers. Short cut grass areas provide the perfect feeding grounds for a flock of geese.
  
  
• Natural Bodies of Water or Artificial Ponds
  Geese 'shelter' on water, particularly at night. If threatened by a predator, geese will retreat to water.
  
  

Lack of Natural Predators

Urban environments often lack the natural predators that would control geese populations, like coyotes and eagles. In the absence of these predators, geese are free to roam and successfully reproduce, allowing more goslings to survive their first year of life and creating a necessity for Geese Control and/or Geese Removal.

Adaptability to Human Presence

Geese have learned to live alongside humans quite nicely. This is in part due to humans feeding them - either on purpose or unintentionally by carelessly making scraps available to geese. Humans also rarely pose a threat; most of us are content to enjoy watching a family with adorable goslings waddle by and wouldn't think to  interfere with them.

Climate and Year-Round Habitation

• Milder Winters
  Milder winters, especially in Southern Ontario, allow geese to stay put rather than migrate. Even during winter storms, they are well equipped to deal with the onslaught of cold. They face into the wind, so that their streamlined feathers protect their underlaying insulation. Their legs and feet have tendons, rather than muscles, so they have very little fluid to freeze, thus protecting them from frostbite.
  
  
• Open Waters
  Retention ponds and artificial water bodies often don't freeze and allow for year-round access.
  
  

Read more: Goose Management: Overcoming Challenges in Urban Environments with Hawkeye

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 26 February 2025

If you are a Brampton resident, chances are that you've made the acquaintance of a raccoon or three. Especially, if you are living near one of Brampton's many lovely parks or green belts, you likely have regular raccoon visitors. In this article we'll explore some common raccoon-related issues, how to spot them, and more importantly how to address the ever increasing raccoon infestation in and around Brampton. 

Common Issues Residents Face with Raccoons in Brampton

Property Damage

• Attics, Roofs, Siding, and Crawlspaces
  Raccoons are excellent climbers and the most efficient route to your attic is through your roof. Not only will they tear up your roof shingles, drainage systems or vents to gain access, but once inside, they'll also damage wiring and insulation - possibly causing water or frost damage or even fires.
  
  
• Gardens and Lawns 
  While we may not be all that fond of grubs and other creepy crawly things, raccoons are. And, they'll dig up your lawn, flower beds, and gardens to get to them. (So do skunks, by the way.)
  
  
• Urine Damage
  Older homes with wooden floors are especially susceptible to rotting and mould due to raccoon urine and feces. We have seen damage so severe that the entire floor/ceiling collapsed and the contents of the attic latrine ended up on the kitchen table.
  
  

Noise Disturbance

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, most active during the hours from dusk to dawn. They are also very vocal animals, often chittering or screeching to one another. They have a rich vocal repertoire producing sounds that can be differentiated and described as tonal or noisy calls. Tonal sounds, like whistles, have a clear, musical quality. Noisy calls, such as growls and hisses are more guttural and have a lower frequency; they are probably heard more often during breeding season.

Aside from vocalization, raccoons also scratch and thump - something that will definitely disrupt your slumber, especially when coming from your attic.

Health and Safety Risks

• Rabies Risk for Pets and Humans
  Raccoons are the most common vector species for Rabies - a fatal disease if contracted by humans.
  
  
• Leptospirosis
  This is a bacterial infections spread through animal urine or feces, or water or soil contaminated with animal urine and feces.
  
  
• Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)
  While human infections are not overly common, they are extremely dangerous due to the ability of the parasite's larvae to migrate into brain tissue and cause damage. Concerns are actually on the rise because of the number of urban raccoons and increasing interaction with humans.
  
  

Garbage Scavenging

• Raccoons knock over garbage cans and spread trash around your property.
  
  
• Strewn trash attracts secondary pests like rats and insects.
  
  
• Aside from the mess that is now yours to clean up, you may also be exposed to potential health hazards.
  
  

Effective Solutions for Mitigating Raccoon Problems

Secure Entry Points

• Inspect Your Home for Potential Access Points
  At least twice each year (spring and fall) it is wise to have a thorough look around your home. Pay special attention to siding and roofing, including the chimney and any vents.
  
  
• Find and Fix
  Install mesh screens and metal flashing over vents and chimneys and repair any small openings
  .
• Regular maintenance
  This can include trimming tree branches to prevent access to your roof, screening the space below your porch among many other wildlife exclusion techniques.
  
  

Read more: Raccoon-Related Challenges in Brampton's Residential Areas

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 21 February 2025

As night falls over the city of Mississauga, a mischievous masked bandit stirs and sets out on a food finding mission. He is cunning, intelligent, and learns by observing his surroundings - and YOU! He has figured a way around those pesky special locks intended to keep raccoons out of trash bins, he knows where the resident cat's food and water bowls can be found, and he watches you store the bag of bird seed away.

He is also very familiar with the park down the road, its many hiding spots and berry bushes, and he's quite fond of the little stream running through that park. You see, Mississauga's parks provide the perfect environment for a raccoon set on thriving alongside humans. There's water, shelter, and food - even if procured from a garbage bin on occasion. In short, our urban parks have everything a raccoon needs and desires.

In this article, we'll explore how the raccoon adapts to life in urban areas and its effect on the ecosystem.

How Raccoons Have Adapted to Urban Parks in Mississauga

Sprawling parks are a source of enjoyment, not just for us but for raccoons and other wildlife as well. Urban parks are a somewhat controlled environment with fewer natural predators, if for no other reason than the presence of humans. And of course, where there is perceived safety and food is plentiful, raccoons will gather and breed.

Abundant Food Sources

Raccoons are omnivorous - meaning, they source their food from both animal and plant life. They are foragers more so than hunters. They are also opportunistic and an easy meal is favoured over one that has to be chased down. Common food sources in urban parks include:

• Fruits, nuts, and seeds
  
  
• Aquatic life forms, like crayfish, minnows, etc.
  
  
• Unsecured garbage cans
  
  
• Humans intentionally or unintentionally feeding wildlife
  
  

Shelter in Urban Landscapes

From the natural shelters in hollow trees and under dense shrubs and foliage, to abandoned outbuildings, sheds, chimneys, attics and hidden crawl spaces found in communities bordering our parks, raccoons have all the shelter they need. And again, because of the proximity of humans, natural predators such as the coyote and fox aren't as much of a threat. This also means that litters have a better chance of survival and the urban raccoon population is ever increasing.

Nocturnal Behaviour and Intelligence

• Being the sleepy heads they are during the day and out 'n about from dusk to dawn limits the interaction of raccoons with humans and human inventions (such as automobiles) - and likely contributes to their continued success and survival in our neighbourhoods. 
  
  
• Their exceptional intelligence and curiosity is another trait that greatly assists with survival alongside humans. Raccoons are not only able to observe and learn, but have actual mad problem solving abilities of their own. Their intelligence is akin to that of a small primate. 
  
  
• And lastly, a keen sense of smell and good night vision enables our little trash pandas to secure a meal or five even during the darkest of nights.
  
  

The Impact of Raccoons on Mississauga’s Urban Ecosystem

Disrupting Local Wildlife

• Competition with other native species for food resources
  
  
• Raccoons are predators of birds and bird eggs and are shown to have a significant impact on bird populations. They may even contribute to the decline of certain bird species.
  
  

Property Damage and Human-Wildlife Conflicts

• Raccoons raiding garbage bins and creating messes
  
  
• Damaging roofs, insulation, and gardens in search of shelter and food
  
  
• Increased interaction with humans and domestic pets leading to conflicts
  
  

Disease Transmission Risks

Of course, the biggest concern is rabies. Raccoons are classified as a Rabies Vector Species (RVS) and hence can carry and transmit the virus. While there haven't been any widespread rabies outbreaks in a while, it is worth keeping in mind that rabies is almost always fatal, if contracted by a human. 

But, raccoons also carry Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Raccoon roundworm - all of which can lead to infections for your pets or family. It is of utmost importance that you use strict safety protocols when cleaning up a raccoon latrine.

Scientists do believe that the presence of raccoons may have some positive environmental impact as well. This includes:

Planting Seeds

Raccoons consume a fair amount of berries and nuts and what goes in must come out. As their territories are quite large (especially for males), they travel long distances and shed their waste along the way. The seeds contained in their feces are dispersed to new areas and aid with plant distribution and reproduction.

Soil Improvement

By digging for grubs in the ground, raccoons may help with soil turnover and aeration. Mind you, most of us won't likely look at our dug up grass or flower beds and think that's a good thing.

Insect Control

Raccoons also eat a whole lot of different insects. This acquired taste may help to control invasive species, such as the Japanese beetle, which threatens the health of trees, plants and other wildlife. It is doubtful though, that raccoons will resign themselves to eating insects in urban settings when there are so many trash cans ready to be explored.

Read more: How Urban Park Adaptation Is Increasing Raccoon Threats in Mississauga

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 20 February 2025

The short answer is Yes! For a few days, at least. Some lasers work better than others and time of day or ambient light also plays a role. Let's explore this in more detail:

What is a Laser?

The word Laser is actually an acronym. It stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Radiation? That sounds dangerous! Well, there are different kinds of lasers and with different strengths (wattage). A handheld laser used for Geese Control does not emit radiation harmful to the human who handles it or the bird it is aimed at. In Canada, the use of lasers is heavily regulated.

Lasers are designed to concentrate beams of light by forcing their waveforms and frequencies to align. Modern laser technology can amplify light rays in just about any part of the electromagnetic spectrum, with the exception of gamma waves. A laser can emit a narrow stream of light over a long distance.

Green Laser vs. Other Colours

Green lasers are definitely favored over any other colour. Green is the brightest wavelength for any eye that can discern colour. To give you an idea, a green laser beam is five to seven times brighter than any other laser color (at the same output power). So, yes.. when it comes to scaring geese away, a green laser is the way to go.

Why are Geese scared of Lasers?

We have no concrete statement from a Canada goose thus far, but it is believed that geese view a laser beam coming at them as something snake-like slithering toward them. Geese have a natural fear of snakes because of their predatory nature, lying in wait for their prey until it's too late. Snakes also go after eggs, so that surely doesn't help.

How does it Work?

The laser is never pointed directly at a bird. In fact, this would help the geese realize that there is no physical danger. A bird control technician will point a hand held laser in the general direction of offending geese from a distance of 10 feet or more. He or she will move the laser in a slow and methodical zig zag pattern on the ground and towards the birds. The goose or geese will immediately vacate the area.

Read more: Do Lasers Really Work for Geese Removal?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 14 February 2025

Have you heard about molting geese? What does that mean? Join us as we explore why and when geese molt...

What is Molting?

Molting refers to geese dropping their feathers during the month of June and early July. With nesting finished and little ones hatched, the birds will search for their summer homes and a safe environment for molting and raising their young.

Do All Geese Molt?

Yes, all of the geese species - and there are as many as twenty - molt their primary, or flight feathers in the summer. In fact, not just geese but all waterfowl do. This affords the birds a full, brand-new set of flight feathers for their long migration journey. While they are molting, Canada geese are grounded and cannot fly; this is in contrast to ducks. Yearlings will go through the molting process shortly after their first birthday.

Why Do Geese Molt?

• Molting usually starts in late June or early July and aids with regulating their body temperature in the the summer heat. Molting helps to cool the goose by increasing the area of bare skin.
  
  
• Molting also helps with getting rid of damaged or worn flight  feathers. By shedding their old feathers, geese can make way for new, healthy, dense  feathers that will allow for migration and also help them stay warm once temperatures drop.
  
  

The Molt Migration

Molting is physically taxing, and requires the birds to be flightless for 3 to 4 weeks while shedding their primary feathers. Because the molt is such a demanding process, many of the birds will fly a long ways to find the ideal location to safely spend the summer. Geese with young offspring will stay at their breeding grounds to molt while those who did not breed will have to leave. 

Who participates in the Molt Migration?

The molt migration is all about leveraging resources. Those who have a half dozen tiny adorable goslings following them around, will spend this time remaining at their breeding sites. But those sites likely cannot sustain all of the geese that are there in early spring. Geese often don't find a mate and breed until they are  between 2 to 4 years old, so those youngsters need to move on and leave whatever food is there for the ones rearing their offspring. Those who did breed but had a failed nest also leave and join Pre-Molt Groups. 

What are Pre-Molt Groups

Adult geese that failed to hatch eggs, geese that have not yet found a mate (or lost their mate), or geese too young to breed (last year’s goslings) will flock up in what is referred to as “pre-molt groups”. With no babies to raise and no territory or nests to defend, these geese will form their own little (or large!) flocks. They will be looking for abundant feeding grounds as they make their way farther north.

Properties that had no geese issues all throughout spring may suddenly become inundated with large groups of geese and the mess they leave behind.  Not only are we talking the usual droppings, but feathers - LOTS of feathers - as well.

Where do the Birds migrate to?

The molt is all about resources, so these geese go to where they can find lots of nutrition and safety - and that is often north. Remember, they cannot fly away during this time. Rivers, streams, any bodies of water provide a quick escape route from predators, if necessary. In fact, streams also double as a sort of water highway to travel on - if resources dwindle in one spot, they can move on to the next. Before fall they all will head back to their original spring destination to reunite with the main flock. This isn't so much about the flock or social structure, but rather about the fall migration route. The group that took part in the molt migration does not know the way south from where they are at. Hence, they'll join the ones who stayed put at the nesting site and they will all set out for their winter destination together, followint the tried and trusted path that brought them here.

Why is the Molt significant in terms of Geese Control and Removal?

Read more: All About Molting Geese

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 10 February 2025

It is February and raccoons are starting to mosey out 'n about - in fact, one Hawkeye team member encountered one in a building that houses her chicken coop, just this past weekend. They are getting ready for mating and breeding season. Let's have a closer look at the lifecycle of raccoons.

Raccoon Mating and Breeding

In the late stages of winter and up until early spring, able bodied raccoons partake in mating rituals which culminate in females breeding with mostly just one male, and males breeding with as many females as possible. Yearling females often reach sexual maturity in their first mating season, while many boys develop a bit slower and may have to sit that first year out.

Mating Rituals

In the arena of Raccoon Mating, healthy, strong, young and older males will posture and compete for the right to mate - up to and including duking it out amongst each other and in front of the ladies. They'll scratch, bite, and even throw each other around while eligible females observe the spectacle and choose their champion accordingly. Communications between males and females include vocalizations, such as chirps and whistles, as well as physical contact in the form of the females arching their back and rubbing against the chosen male to express approval and interest in breeding. The chosen dominant, strong and healthy male may become several ladies' champion and breed with several females. Since the victor, or champion, cannot possibly impregnate all available females, even lower ranked males will eventually get the chance to mate.

Raccoon Breeding

Female raccoons have a very short window of fertility, only three to four days per mating season - so, much mating takes place during those few days. The actual mating or breeding involves an hour or so of foreplay and culminates in copulation. After a brief pause to recover they go on to repeat. Yeah, it's a busy couple of days! After all that mating is done and over with, the couple may stay together for a few days but the male will move on and leave the now expectant mum to fend for herself and her offspring.

Gestation and Birth

Mum-to-be must now spring into action and procure a suitable den to give birth to her litter of kids in about 2 months time. This is also the time where she will be most inclined to rip up a roof shingle or two to get access to cozy places like attics and where you'll need to pay extra attention or get in touch with a wildlife removal company. She will birth anywhere from one to seven raccoon babies, with the average litter containing four kits. The babies are born blind, deaf and hairless, weighing only about 4 to 5 ounces. The only thing giving away the impression that these are in fact raccoons, are the tiny little masks already visible. As they are completely helpless, they are solely depending on their mother's care for their first 3 weeks of life. Sadly, somewhere around 50% of newborns will not survive their first year.

Life in the Den

Although momma raccoon will take the wee ones to the outside world for little excursions once their eyes open around 4 weeks, the kits will stay in the den for the next 6-8 weeks, with their mum looking after their every need. 

A Raccoon's First Year of Life

Around three months of age, baby raccoons are weaned and introduced to the world in earnest. They will shadow their mother and learn about finding food and survival in general. All raccoons are intelligent and curious, and young raccoons have been seen playing and rough housing and performing fun acrobatic maneuvers. 

The First Winter

By the time fall arrives,, the wee ones have grown into independent, adventurous, and resilient youngsters., It is not uncommon, though, for them to spend their first winter denning with their mother and siblings, especially in colder climates. As with many other things, there is strength in numbers and more bodies can create and retain more heat.

Setting Out on their Own

Almost a year has passed and a new mating season is on the horizon. Young females may or may not be ready to reproduce and will likely stick close to their birth place, while their brothers will often move into territories that are 20km or more away. These young males are likely not yet ready to breed and will use the upcoming year to establish themselves in their new territory. Researchers believe that traveling this fairly long distance in search of a new home range is instinctive behavior to avoid or reduce the chance of inbreeding. We have now come full circle.

Read more: Raccoon Life Cycle

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 06 February 2025

The Canada Goose - a familiar bird with a distinct call that is eagerly anticipated by Canadians across all provinces, as it signals the long awaited arrival of spring. The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is one of the most recognizable waterfowl species native to North America. Join us as we explore just what makes the Canada goose so special:

Canada Geese are Extremely Adaptable

Canada geese are found all across North America in a wide variety of habitats - from the frigid north to subtropical regions. Their habitats range from the high Arctic tundra to as far south as Mexico. Their breeding grounds include regions across Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. They have adapted well to living and even thriving alongside humans. 

Habitats

Canada geese are found to be nesting in all sorts of habitats including open tundra, marshes, prairies, and coastal regions. They also make themselves at home in urban and suburban environments such as parks, golf courses, marinas, and even backyards. Being migratory birds, Canada geese are well equipped to fly long distances between their summer breeding grounds and winter habitats farther south. True snowbirds :)

Diet

A Canada Goose's diet is as diverse as its nesting grounds; it includes aquatic plants and invertebrates, grasses, seeds, grains, and berries. This varied diet allows geese to do quite well in many wetland, grassland, and agricultural areas. Canada geese aren't shy and happily exist alongside human development, as long as there is open terrain with access to water nearby.

Canada Geese are Family Oriented

Canada Geese mate for life. Well, wherever possible. If one mate happens to perish, the one left behind will go out looking for a new partner. Their offspring will live with its parents for a year or even beyond. It will make its first migratory journey alongside its parents. Many female geese even return to the place they hatched themselves and start their own family right there. It is mostly the young males to set out to find a new flock or create one of their own.

Nesting

Once back in their northern breeding habitat, Mother Goose (or expectant Mother Goose) immediately settles into the task of establishing a nest. She is the main architect of the nest by making a shallow depression in the ground (usually near water) and collecting plant materials like grasses and mosses to line the nest. She'll put on the finishing touch by adding her own down feathers and create a super soft and comfy lining. She will then proceed to lay an average of 5 eggs. Mind you, as many as 12 eggs have been found in a single nest.

The excpectant dad stays mostly out of the construction and decoration of the nursery but springs into action once that phase is complete. While his mate is laying and sitting on eggs, he will tend to her every need, bring food and fiercely protect the nest. It is during this time that you may encounter the outrage and aggression of a goose parent to be, should you have inadvertently wandered too close to a nest.

Read more: What's So Special about The Canada Goose?

Written by: Dan Frankian

Published: 03 February 2025

We talk so much about Raccons and the challenges they pose or the damage they do to homes and businesses. In this post, let's look at some fun or lesser known facts about raccoons!

1.  Raccoons Love Water!

In the wild, raccoons are most often found in wooded areas near water. Of course, all mammals require water to survive, but the clever raccoon has another use for water: Washing its food. By washing their upcoming meal, they obtain as much information about it as possible. 

Do Raccoons Swim?

Indeed, they do! In fact, they are quite accomplished swimmers, able to swim for three to eight hours! While their body shape may not appear to be suited all that well for swimming, raccoons average a speed of 5km/h and can reach speeds of 25km/h (if motivated enough). 

Can Raccoons Dive?

Also yes - extraordinarily well, even! Raccoons will dive underwater to escape predators or catch some fish as deep as 5 feet or 1.5 meters. A raccoon can hold its breath underwater for up to 15 minutes, which is pretty impressive for a land lubbing mammal.

2.  Raccoons and their Incredible Sense of Touch

Raccoons are one of the few species in the animal kingdom who may use their sense of touch even more so than that of sight or smell when trying to identify their next meal.

What's so Special about Raccoon "Hands"?

A raccoon's "hands" or front paws are equipped with about four times more sensory receptors and stiff hairs at the tips of each front toe above the claw than its back paws. These hairs are called vibrissae and are similar to cats' whiskers - they allow the animal to identify an object even before making contact with its paw. The difference in front and back paw receptors is roughly the same ratio as that of human hands to feet. Although a raccoon front paw print looks much like a human hand print, they actually do not have opposing thumbs, but rather just 5 long fingers. That doesn't slow them down, though, or impede their ability to manipulate all sorts of objects (like your trash can lids). And, back to water - the sensitivity of their paws increases when wet.

3.  Raccoons are Very Expressive

Nobody ever has accused raccoons of being quiet and unobtrusive. In fact, they are very vocal and communicate their current state of mind or emotion quite successfully.

What does a Happy Raccoon Look or Sound like?

A happy raccoon will look relaxed and you'll see a low, slightly wagging tail and ears that are upright and pointing forward. And, if you're close enough you may even be able to hear a purring or cooing sound.

What does a Frightened or Angry Raccoon Look or Sound like?

When a raccoon is scared or angry you'll notice a raised tail and pinned ears (think of a horse). It's body will look tense and there likely will be some hissing or growling. 

Do Raccoons Play for Fun?

Yes, they do - especially the youngsters. Raccoons are highly intelligent and curious by nature and will check out an unfamiliar object - probably more to determine whether it's edible or not, but they've definitely been seen batting and chasing things around, not unlike cats.

Read more: 8 Fun Facts About Raccoons