Resources
Early to late spring is the Canada goose nesting season. Sometimes a pair of Canada geese will nest in an area that may create a problem. For example, a pair may nest in a planter box or a mulch pile near an entrance. The pair will patrol the area where they intend to place a nest. After the mother goose has laid all of her eggs, she will sit on the eggs (incubation) for approximately a month. During this time, the father goose will instinctively guard the area.
GeesePeace recommends the property owner contact one of the two companies listed at the right to remove the nest and encourage the geese to move elsewhere. These companies follow protocol approved by Humane World for Animals and will obtain the required US Fish and Wildlife registration for your site. Canada geese, their nests, and eggs are protected under Federal Law and should not be touched without this registration.
Try to avoid going near the nest. If possible use an alternate entrance. If unavoidable, use an open umbrella or trash can lid as a shield between yourself and the protective goose.
- Watch this informative and fascinating video to see what humane nest management is all about. It was produced by the teachers and students at Little Creek Nature Center, in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
- There are two professional humane Canada goose management companies in the St. Louis area. We recommend these companies:
- Humane Wildlife Solutions, LLC ~ 314-567-2060
- Humane Goose Management ~ 314-302-8779 ~ captrib@mac.com
- ​GeesePeace St. Louis was formed in cooperation with the national GeesePeace organization. They have additional information on their website.
If you find an injured goose or what you believe to be an abandoned gosling, contact the MO Wildlife Rescue Center before taking any action: 636-394-1880.
If your HOA or business facility would like to humanely control the number of geese on their property, please contact us for assistance. E-mail us or use our contact form to let us know what your concerns are. We will explain options (such as humane egg addling and site deterrents), to manage the population. We can provide training for you, or refer you to the companies above that will offer this service for a fee. If you are the property owner, please see our Property Owners page for additional information.
