Canada geese were only occasional visitors to Vancouver Island in the past. To increase wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities, Canada geese were introduced to the area creating a population of resident geese that do not migrate. The large grassy spaces and water features found in the capital region lack predators and are an ideal home for geese. The increasing populations of Canada geese are causing environmental, economic and social impacts.
Canada Geese have found that public spaces such as parks, farmland, beaches, lawns, school grounds, and even planters make very attractive nesting locations. These areas tend to be near water sources and provide additional protection from predators. During breeding season geese are very protective of their nests, eggs, and can become aggressive towards people. Large populations of geese lead to high amounts of fecal matter in the water and on land resulting in higher fecal coliform counts, and other pathogens such as avian influenza and salmonella.
Large populations of geese over graze, trample vegetation, and cause soil erosion. Excessive amounts of goose feces can lead to algae growth in water sources, decreasing water quality and resulting in beach closures. Caution should be exercised when swimming in bodies of water with a large goose presence.
Canada Geese spread invasive grass species by dropping seeds in their feces and adding nutrients to the soil. This threatens sensitive ecological reserves, including endangered Garry-oak ecosystems. Heavy trampling and grazing by the geese can also harm rare and endangered plant species.
When geese over graze it can impact estuaries and tidal marshes. These areas support coastal fish and wildlife and are vital habitats for young salmon, a vital part of the Salish sea's ecosystem.
Canada Geese cause significant financial problems for our local farmers, recreation providers and businesses. They damage crops, increase costs, cause soil erosion, and contaminate areas with fecal matter.
How can you help?
This can encourage large groups to gather in one area which can increase the spread of diseases, lead to water pollution and overcrowding.
If you have Canada Geese using your property or the type of landscape that may attract geese in the future, there are several ways you can modify your lawn to make it less appealing to geese:
Install fences,
Planting tall native vegetation along shorelines & ponds,
Covering planters with mesh to help prevent nesting,
Report Canada Goose “hot spots”, nests, and young of the year to the CRD. This information helps technicians make future plans for areas that require additional management techniques.
Spread awareness about the impacts of Canada Geese and encourage your neighbours to goose-proof their properties and refrain from feeding wildlife.
Many local stewardship groups in the area are doing important work restoring estuaries and Garry-oak ecosystems previously damaged by Canada Geese. Some groups, such as the Peninsula Streams Society, GoOse and BCI, have started including potential damage from Canada Geese into their restoration plans to prevent impacts in the future.
Property Damage
There are several things you can do if you are experiencing damage on your property from Canada geese. These include exclusion, habitat modification, egg addling and removal. Some of these activities require a federal permit and a full description can be found in the Government of Canada's Handbook for Managing Canada Geese and Cackling Geese in Southern Canada.
For additional information please contact the CRD at goose@crd.bc.ca if you are experiencing property damage due to Canada geese.
Additional Resources for Agriculture and Food producers:
In February 2023, the CRD Board approved a Canada Goose Management Service Establishment Bylaw that aims to reduce the impact of the rapidly growing Canada Goose population in the region. The bylaw was adopted after receiving elector assent through a regional alternative approval process (AAP).
The CRD is working with local governments, First Nations, stewardship groups, and key stakeholders to implement the strategy which will include an egg addling program, coordination of provincial and federal permits, and conducting strategic harvests.
The regional Canada Goose Management Service will provide coordinated management of Canada Goose populations and include:
Monitoring, mapping and reporting on Canada Goose populations and their impacts.
Coordinating and establishing collaborative partnerships with municipalities, First Nations, large landowners, Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission, other government agencies and stewardship groups to implement the CRD's Regional Canada Goose Management.
Facilitating the development and implementation of a communications strategy and public education program to support the management of Canada Goose populations.
Collaboration with other Vancouver Island regional districts, local governments, and First Nations to reduce Canada Goose populations through the Vancouver Island Canada Goose Management Working Group.
No, feeding Canada Geese and other waterfowl can cause them to become habituated to an area and look to humans as a food source. This can encourage large groups to congregate in one area increasing the spread of diseases, water pollution and overcrowding. Canada Geese have been known to beg people for food and can become aggressive when food is not offered. Human food such as bread and crackers are not a natural part of their diet and consuming too much human food can make geese and other waterfowl malnourished and cause irreparable health issues.
Geese are known carriers of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This disease rarely affects humans but is extremely contagious and can cause severe illness and death in many bird species. Walking in feces can spread the disease to other areas, including pet birds, poultry farms and wild birds. To prevent transmission, clean your hands, clothing, and footwear after coming in contact with wild birds or their feces.
If you see a sick or dead bird report it to the Wild Bird Reporting Line at 1.866.431.2473
Canada Geese are very protective of their nests, eggs, and goslings during breeding season. A goose exhibiting defensive behavior may hiss or honk while keeping its head bowed. If escalated, it may approach you or raise its wings to appear threatening. The best course of action is to back away slowly and calmly. Try to resist the urge to turn around and run. The goose is simply trying to scare you off and is unlikely to make contact if left alone.
Egg addling is a wildlife management method of population control. Addling makes the embryo of an egg non-viable. This is done by coating the egg with oil to prevent gas exchange through the shell membrane or by vigorously shaking the egg. After addling is complete the egg is placed back into the nest and the goose continues to incubate the egg. This reduces the chances of the goose attempting to re-nest and laying more eggs. All egg addling activities require a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS).
No, the techniques used for egg addling in the capital region are based off the Humane Society’s Canada Goose Egg Addling Protocol. To ensure the ethical and humane treatment of the eggs themselves, egg addling is performed within the first 14 days of incubation, before an air sac has developed inside the egg. Eggs can be tested for age using a float test; any eggs that float in water have developed beyond the accepted threshold for addling and are placed back into the nest.
Yes, Canada Geese can be hunted on Vancouver Island and some municipalities in the capital region even allow you to hunt geese on your own property. Contact your municipality for more information on regulations in your region.
For all regions, a migratory game bird hunting permit with a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp is required from the Government of Canada.
The CRD is opposed to a Canada Goose cull. The CRD will work with First Nations, who will steward their land and exercise their hunting rights to implement a humane and ethical harvest. With a First Nations harvest, all parts of the bird are utilized, and a significant food source is created. Canada Geese are a federally protected species, and any mitigation measures must first be approved by the Canadian Wildlife Service and a provincial veterinarian.
There are several mitigation techniques that you can undertake to reduce the number of Canada Geese causing damage on your property. These include exclusion, habitat modification, egg addling and removal. Some of these activities require a federal permit and a full description can be found in the Government of Canada's Handbook for Managing Canada Geese and Cackling Geese in Southern Canada.
Territorial Acknowledgement
The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation
