How to Fight a Goose and Win (Just Kidding, You Won’t Win)
A few weeks ago, a video circulated on the internet of an unsuspecting Florida woman being attacked by a goose in a crowded parking lot. According to a study done at the University of Utah , 117 Canadian geese injuries were reported from 1990 to 2015 in the United States. This means that the chance of a Canada Goose attacking you is low, but never zero.
If you’re new to goose attacks, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know if you ever find yourself face to face with one of the most common birds in the United States.
When do geese attack?
According to the USDA , the way nesting geese interact with humans varies from goose to goose. Some geese run away as soon as people approach them, others prepare to attack. Geese that choose violence will do so to protect their nest by using tactics such as approaching a person, running or flying towards them. It is not uncommon for a nesting goose to attempt to bite a suspected predator.
A common sign that you are facing an angry goose is that they spread their wings and make a loud hiss. According to the USDA, suburban and urban geese are more likely to attack humans than their rural counterparts. If you see a goose nest in a public place, stay away from it. Instead, call your local animal control department and they will move the goose nest to a safer location.
How to prevent a goose attack
If it’s your prerogative to keep geese off your property, the Ohio Department of Wildlife says the best way to do that is, oddly enough, to chase the geese. They explain it this way: “When done right and at the right time of the year, chasing can be your most effective management tool. Stalking makes the geese uncomfortable in your territory, and when combined with other methods of stalking, it can be the most rewarding.” They recommend starting hunting in early spring (February or March). You must go outside four or five times a day to drive away the geese before they start nesting.
You should know that if the geese have started nesting, then the pursuit method will not work. From April to June, the Ohio Department of Wildlife does not recommend chasing, but instead suggests staying away. Other methods of removing geese include the use of lasers or noise deterrents.
What to do if a goose starts attacking you
In fact, you can’t win a fight with a goose. If you find yourself stuck in combat, your goal should be to minimize the damage. Goose attacks are no joke; The Ohio Department of Wildlife has documented injuries associated with goose attacks, including broken bones and head injuries. Here’s what they recommend you do if the goose makes aggressive moves towards you.
- Maintain direct eye contact and keep your chest and face pointed at the goose. Never turn your back or shoulders away from a hostile goose.
- Calmly and slowly back away, watching for obstacles. Never run from a goose.
- Maintain a neutral demeanor, i.e. do not act hostile or show fear.