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OUT -OF -DOORS Page 5 of 5 <br />the forage they eat is relatively low in quality. This means that to meet their needs, the birds have to <br />eat and digest large quantities of grass. What goes in, must come out, and if the output is on a golf <br />green, swimming beach, or picnic area, the human users usually complain. If it was only one pair of <br />geese, the nuisance would probably be tolerated. But remember, geese are social animals that occur in <br />groups, and 100 or more birds can really mess up a beach -- literally. <br />The solution to too many geese in cities is a complicated one. Because city goose problems are a <br />new phenomenon, there has been little research done. We know that populations can be controlled by <br />increasing mortality or decreasing reproduction, but just what is biologically and economically <br />effective and socially acceptable is unclear. Recent research has been aimed at testing translocation, <br />that is, reducing numbers by capturing and shipping flightless adults and young elsewhere. Results of <br />these experiments have shown that populations can be reduced as much as 90% in three years. <br />However, the technique is self - limiting. Other states, particularly, southern states are willing to take <br />the birds now, but what can be done when these folks meet their goose restoration goals and no <br />longer want additional birds? Research is needed to test the effectiveness of additional hunting in <br />limiting city populations, egg destruction, and perhaps the feasibility of using the excess production <br />for human consumption. <br />In summary, the Canada Goose is a gem of a bird. It is beautifully adapted to human - altered, as <br />well as, wilderness settings. The animal has a complex social system with many attributes that we <br />find admirable. It is held in high esteem by hunters and non - hunters alike. But when it damages <br />crops, golf greens, gardens, etc., or where it endangers human life at airports, intensive management <br />programs will be needed. <br />Goose Web/ Index <br />Created 3/1/97; last update 5/5/98. <br />Questions? Dr. James A. Cooper goose @fw.utnn.edu <br />Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Minnesota <br />URL: http: / /www.fw.umn.edu /research /goose/html /outhtml <br />© 1996 by the University of Minnesota <br />-32- <br />http: / /www.fw.umn.edu /rresearch /goose /html /out.html 4/7/00 <br />