Canada Goose Numbers and Goose Damage in Northeastern Indiana

• Main Authors: Cleary, Ed, Reynolds, Ken
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 1983
• Subjects: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Life Sciences; Canada; Branta canadensis; Canada Goose
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/wdmconference/1983/all1983/44; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1487&context=wdmconference

Any wild animal can be both hero and villain, and Canada geese are no exception. They can and do cause damage. Goose numbers are increasing and present data indicate a positive relationship between goose numbers and goose damage. In Northeastern Indiana, Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima and B. c. interior) damage agricultural crops and cause esthetic damage to lawns, boats, docks and beaches. Indiana is not the only midwestern state with a goose damage problem. During the last year, Wisconsin registered 235 goose damage complaints, Ohio 160, Michigan over 100, Minnesota 46 and Illinois 31 (personal communications with state officials).