Foster City, a 33,000-resident community in the San Francisco Bay Area, is investing nearly $400,000 in a high-tech campaign to manage its growing Canada goose problem.
The city is dealing with an overwhelming daily mess—hundreds of pounds of goose droppings across parks and playgrounds—plus increasing complaints about startled children and damaged public spaces. Despite previous efforts like egg-oiling and fencing, around 400 geese have made the city their year-round home, according to the Washington Post.
Now, city officials are rolling out a non-lethal, multi-pronged approach beginning in September. The plan includes deploying border collies to mimic natural predators, using remote-controlled watercraft, and flying drones designed to look like falcons. Habitat changes and public education are also part of the strategy.
“Dogs, drones, and lasers—and most importantly, habitat modification and public education,” said Parks Director Derek Schweigart in an interview with ABC7. “Stop feeding the geese. That’s a direct impact that draws them here.” Schweigart described the geese population as “overwhelming” and hopes the effort will allow people and birds to coexist without constant conflict.
Wildlife Innovations, the company leading the initiative, will focus on seven parks with the highest levels of goose activity and complaints. Project leader Jake Manley emphasized the importance of variety in tactics: “Every time they start acclimating, throw something new they haven’t seen.”
Part of the problem, experts say, is that the city has become an ideal habitat. Foster City’s lagoons, manicured parks, and abundant food have made it attractive for geese to settle rather than migrate. Melanie Weaver of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife said humans have unintentionally made the area perfect for geese. “There’s not much that can take them out except maybe a coyote or golden eagle,” she said. “And with people feeding them, it’s a recipe for disaster.”
City officials hope the upfront investment will ultimately lower the ongoing costs of cleaning and maintenance caused by the birds.
(Getty Images/Judit Dombovari)