Abington Township, Pennsylvania, has approved a plan to address an escalating issue with aggressive Canada geese in Alverthorpe Park, entering into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a comprehensive goose management program. The initiative, formalized on July 9, aims to mitigate problems caused by the birds, including attacks on residents and the fouling of park amenities.
According to officials, the mounting droppings from the geese pose a significant environmental concern, potentially degrading the park's water quality. A single goose can deposit up to a pound of feces daily, impacting public spaces like walkways and playgrounds. Patricia Platt, Abington's assistant parks director, described the situation as "a mess."
The "waterfowl harassment" program, developed in collaboration with the USDA, will employ a range of methods to deter the geese. USDA crews will begin with less intrusive tactics and escalate to more aggressive measures if necessary. Between July 2026 and June 2027, the plan includes the use of lasers, remote-controlled boats, visual deterrents, and pyrotechnics, which are propane-powered noisemakers designed to frighten the birds rather than function as fireworks.
Additionally, goose eggs may be discarded as part of the effort. The USDA also indicated the potential for euthanizing up to 150 birds, particularly during their molting period when they are less mobile. The meat from any culled geese could be donated for consumption by residents.
The year-long contract for this program carries a $15,000 cost. This effort represents the latest attempt by Abington officials to manage the persistent goose population, which has been a growing concern for decades. Previous strategies, explored in 2023, included altering park landscaping to make it less appealing to geese and considering the closure of outdoor ice rinks that transform into marshy lawns during warmer months, thereby providing ideal goose habitats.
Canada geese have presented similar challenges across Pennsylvania for many years. In 2010, the USDA's Wildlife Services reported receiving over 400 requests for assistance related to goose-related damage throughout the state.
