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Here's what to do if a Canada goose builds a nest at your Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­home

The Canada goose population is expanding at a damaging rate.
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
canada-goose-nest-building
Canada goose populations have soared in Vancouver, and locals may discover a nest on their balcony or roof, or in the backyard. Here's what to do if that happens to you.Photo: gemredding/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Geese don't know who owns the property where they lay their eggs, so don't be surprised if one of the long-necked fowl takes up residence in your backyard. 

The City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­has battled surging Canada goose populations since the early 90s, determining the best way to keep numbers down. 

While Canadian geese are an iconic part of the city's landscape, an overabundance of the waterfowl threatens other wildlife. 

In May 2023, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Park Board developed a 38-page  to help control the city's surging population. Without implementing such a plan, officials estimated numbers would reach 5,900 by 2025. 

The Park Board uses a humane method called  to manage the population. It has addled thousands of goose eggs over the past decade, but relies on public support to spot and report nests. 

Geese often nest in hard-to-reach spots, such as rooftops and balconies, so people are encouraged to report sightings of nesting geese to the city. 

What problems does an overabundance of Canada geese cause in the city? 

The city mentions several reasons for curbing its resident Canada goose population:

  • Excessive amounts of droppings - a goose defecates once every nine minutes while it’s eating
  • Damaged turf
  • Impacts on water quality
  • Overgrazing of estuary sedge-grasses that are important habitat for salmon

Can you prevent geese from nesting on your property?

Homeowners can deter geese from building nests on their properties. To help prevent nesting on your property, the city recommends several simple steps:

  • Alter flat surfaces: Geese are attracted to flat, open areas. Plant trees, shrubs, or tall grasses on rooftops or balconies to make these spaces less inviting.
  • Remove water sources: Geese are drawn to water features such as ponds and fountains. Remove or cover water sources to discourage geese from settling nearby.
  • Use deterrents: Reflective tape, motion-activated lights, and scarecrows can make areas less inviting to geese.
  • Act early: Take action during the winter and early spring months to make your property unappealing to geese before the nesting season begins.

How can I report a goose nest to the city? 

You can report a goose nest - or even just a goose standing in the same spot daily - to the city in the following ways: 

Do not feed geese (or any wildlife) 

The city has been cracking down on people feeding wildlife. Feeding a Canada goose encourages it to stay in one spot, defecating in large quantities and possibly gathering in "high-traffic areas." They may also lay multiple clutches of eggs if they are overfed, expanding the overpopulation issue. 

Park Board rangers will issue fines up to $500 to people caught feeding wildlife in parks and on beaches. 

If you see anyone feeding geese, report it immediately by calling 311 or using the Van311 app.

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