Get the geese!

Parks & Recreation, July, 2004

Seattle Parks and Recreation announced in April a pilot program with the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to manage its Canadian geese population in non-lethal ways.

"This arrangement is a departure from how we've managed the problem during the last few years," Parks and Recreation Superintendent Ken Bounds said. "Our combination of many methods has been effective over the last decade in reducing the population of Canada geese, and we believe the population is at a level where we may be able to manage it in Seattle parks without lethal means."

Some techniques employed by PAWS include goose netting, possible application of chemical deterrent to grassy areas and the use of lasers to redirect the geese migration.

Trained dogs will also manage the gees to leave public beaches and selected shorelines. Based on the progress of the new project, Bounds will decide if the partnership will continue into 2005.

"We look forward to this partnership," said Annette Laico, executive director of PAWS, "and our volunteers are excited and ready to start working with parks staff to create a humane and effective solution to Canada goose conflicts that is truly long-term."