Foster City, a community in Northern California, is set to spend nearly $400,000 to address its ongoing issue with Canadian geese. The city, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been dealing with the nuisance of hundreds of geese that produce significant amounts of droppings, affecting local lagoons and sometimes scaring children. The city plans to implement a non-lethal strategy that includes using drones shaped like falcons, border collies to mimic predators, and remote-controlled devices in the water to deter the birds.
The problem has persisted for years, with up to 400 birds frequenting the city’s parks. In previous attempts to control the population, the city tried egg addling and fencing, but these methods proved ineffective. A 2021 plan to cull over 100 geese was met with public backlash, leading to the current non-lethal approach.
The plan, set to launch this month, aims to reduce both the number of geese and the cleanup costs associated with their presence. According to The Independent, the city hopes to create an environment where geese and humans can coexist without conflict. Parks and Recreation Director Derek Schweigart emphasized the need for public cooperation, particularly in not feeding the geese, which attracts them to the area.
Wildlife Innovations Inc. will lead the effort, using a strategic approach to keep the geese off balance. As reported by ABC7 News, the plan includes habitat modification and public education to support the initiative. The city hopes this humane method will effectively manage the goose population and alleviate the problems they cause.
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