Droppings aren’t a serious health risk

The Canada geese at Lake Stevens were killed unnecessarily and with no scientific evidence to substantiate claims of health issues caused by the geese. Recent studies have concluded that Canada geese do not pose a serious health risk and that no disease outbreaks have been directly linked to goose poop.

If the Lake Stevens community is concerned with increasing numbers of geese then there are several humane methods of population management that can be used. The most effective and long-term method is egg-oiling. This stops the growth of the embryo, which is far more humane than gassing adult geese. The easiest and simplest method to keep geese from entering your yard, if living on the lake, is to plant a hedge or long grass along the waters edge or build a low fence. Residents can also use repellants and scare tactics, and should be discouraged from feeding the geese.

Animal welfare and wildlife groups are willing to help the Lake Stevens community in an egg-oiling program and provide advice on living with wildlife. Canada geese and other wildlife are a natural part of living by the water in the Northwest. Killing them because we are inconvenienced by them should not be the answer.

PAWS Wildlife Advocate

Lynnwood