Did you know that geese are highly social waterfowl who form close family units and gather in flocks or “gaggles”. These majestic birds love grazing in fields, eating grasses, and swimming in ponds which makes Spider Lake Springs Resort their dream vacation — just as many of us do.

With geese living among our campsites, it goes without saying that we must deal with a lot of goose poop! However, this does not mean that it is ok to threaten the geese in any way. As geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act it is illegal to harm them. Chasing and throwing items and rocks at geese stresses the birds and causes more anxiety.

We ask that you gently shoo the birds away from your property or area you may be enjoying. As geese are very loyal birds, protective of their mates and offspring, you could find yourself face to face with an angry hissing goose. This is why they have been nick named the “Cobra Chicken”.

Here are some easy recommendations for deterring Canada Geese noted in the Government of Canada Handbook for Managing Geese:

Streamers: Lengths of shiny or bright materials strung between trees that are allowed to move in the wind creates visual distraction which geese tend to avoid.

Flags: The fluttering of a flag has found to discourage geese as they do not like to be threatened from overhead.

Scarecrows: Place an eagle, alligator, swan or coyote decoy which geese perceive as a threat.

Please be respectful of all wildlife, as we need to learn to co-habitat with them in our Happy Place.

Thank you to Cheryl Trotman for this information.

Come join us for all the great events.