Stay safe around feisty geese this spring

6 hours ago
2 min read

Canada geese have a reputation for being mean and aggressive, but what we consider bad behavior is really just their way of protecting themselves, their nests and their goslings. Does this remind you of any other parents? Maybe even your own parents?

A goose with six goslings on green grass. — A Canada goose and its goslings. (Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

In the spring, when nesting season is in full swing, encounters with feisty geese can become frequent. These run-ins are common because Canada geese often nest close to humans. They don't see people as a direct threat, so they are comfortable nesting in places where we are often around. That includes many of the waterways in the forest preserves.

Geese nest on the ground, preferring elevated spots like muskrat mounds. They typically build their nests within about 150 feet of water, and they look for open areas so they can see around them in all directions to monitor for threats.

Words to know

Encounter: A casual meeting with something or someone.

Gosling: A young goose.

Incubate: To sit on eggs to keep them warm and bring them to hatching.

Territorial: Relating to ownership of an area.

Females do most of the nest building, and they incubate the eggs. Males will stand guard nearby, and this is where conflicts with humans often arise.

As nesting season progresses, geese can become more stressed and act more aggressively toward people and other threats that get near their nests. Signs they are bothered by your presence include honking, lowering their heads and spreading their wings to create an aggressive posture.

Your instinct may be to turn and run away when this happens, but this is exactly what you should not do. If you're confronted by a goose, you should maintain eye contact with it and stand your ground. Once you've made eye contact, move slowly and sidestep and back away. Do not make a lot noise or any quick movements.

Two fluffy yellow goslings pecking at the ground in a grassy area. — (Photo courtesy of Cindy Hostert)

Breeding season for geese is short. It begins in mid-March with nest construction and continues through the first part of spring. Eggs are incubated for about a month before hatching. Once hatched, the goslings stay in the nest for about a week with the female tending to them.

After goslings leave the nest, they stay with their parents for awhile. Their parents will still be protective, but they'll be less aggressive because both the parents and the goslings will be able to move away from potential threats.

It's not just geese that may be a little territorial in the spring. This time of year is a busy one in the animal kingdom. Many birds and other animals mate, nest or raise their offspring in spring. If an animal is reacting to your presence, chances are you are too close.