Canada Geese Mating Season: Preventing Conflicts with Geese

  • Published
  • By Darryn M. Warner
  • 88th Civil Engineer Group
WRIGHT-PATTERON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  

Canada geese typically begin selecting mates and nesting territories from late February to mid-March, laying eggs from March to mid-May. During the 28-day incubation period, they can become extremely aggressive in defense of their nests, even attacking pedestrians. Because Canada geese are highly territorial, it is critical to discourage them from nesting near facilities. Once a nest is constructed, it is protected by federal law and cannot be disturbed or removed without authorization. However, preventative measures can be taken beforehand to deter nesting. 

Preemptive actions can help avoid conflicts with nesting Canada geese. Chasing, scaring, or harassing geese before they establish nests is legal and encouraged. During the pre-nesting season, stop all feeding and use scare techniques—such as trained dogs, mylar flagging, noisemakers, and balloons (spaced five per acre)—to drive potential nesting geese away. Additionally, hunting geese during the legal hunting season is allowed and encouraged.

If a goose nests near a facility, establish a cordon around the area and place warning signs to alert building occupants and visitors. Personnel should be educated on how to respond when encountering nesting Canada geese, including avoiding agitation, steering clear of the nesting area, walking away calmly, and using an open umbrella for protection if necessary.

Canada geese frequently return to the same breeding site each year. The key to long-term prevention is making the site less attractive and using scare tactics immediately when geese appear. If non-lethal deterrents have been ineffective, the Division of Wildlife may issue a nest and egg removal permit. However, nest destruction and relocating geese are only temporary solutions.

The Environmental Assets section of the Installation Management Division is responsible for requesting any removal permits for the base. For more information, contact WPAFB Natural Resources Manager Darryn Warner at 257-4857.