Wild Goose Chase Indy (WGC Indy) is an environmental services company that helps properties manage nuisance bird issues through science-based, ecological solutions. Below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we receive about our goose egg depredation service.
What is the egg depredation service & what are its benefits for managing geese on my property?
During an egg depredation (ED) service, WGC Indy service technicians search for and manage Canada goose nests and eggs on your property. WGC Indy will either remove nests and eggs or coat the eggs in corn oil to make the eggs non-viable. Reducing the overall number of geese on your property is an important step in managing nuisance geese. By managing goose nests, your property can reduce damage from geese (e.g., eaten grass, accumulated droppings) and reduce potential negative interactions between people and geese.
How can I be certain if an egg depredation service is right for my property?
If your property has a history of nesting geese, ED services are highly recommended. Adult geese have natal and site fidelity, meaning they prefer to nest on properties where they were born (natal) and/or a property on which they’ve successfully nested (site).
When are egg depredation services provided?
During the spring (March to May), when adult geese begin to pair with the goal to nest.
How do I know if geese are nesting on my property?
Geese exhibiting nesting behavior are often:
- Seen in clear pairings (e.g., two adults)
- Aggressive or territorial
- Leave evidence of nesting (e.g., materials, eggs)
Geese on my property are becoming aggressive, what should I do?
Geese will defend their nests, eggs and young during the spring months, when their eggs and young are most vulnerable. Below are a few best practices to minimize negative interactions with nesting geese:
- Do not feed, approach or attempt to interact with geese, nests or their young
- If you are able, cordon off the area or leave a sign informing people of the presence of the geese, preferably away from the nest so people have enough space and time to find an alternate route
- If you are approached by geese, it is best to walk backward slowly while facing them; try to be as big and loud as possible to prevent them from following you
- Keep pets and children away from geese
Is permitting required for egg depredation services?
Yes. Since Canada geese are federally protected, they and their eggs cannot be handled or taken without proper permitting. Permits are often required at both the federal and state level and specific permitting requirements differ by state. As a part of the ED service, WGC Indy leads the obtainment of necessary permits on your property’s behalf to ensure work is conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations.
I found a nest on my property but don’t have a permit, what can I do?
If the nest is inactive – meaning there are no eggs or young present – then you may destroy or dispose of the nest without a permit. Be advised: geese may still want to defend a nest even without eggs or young in it. If the nest is active, meaning there are eggs or young present, federal law prohibits disturbing that nest. Therefore, it is recommended to consult WGC Indy on best practices.
How often are egg depredation services provided?
For customers that sign up for a scheduled ED service, WGC Indy will visit your property to perform services approximately 3 to 4 times during the nesting season. Canada geese will incubate their nests for about a month before the eggs hatch. Therefore, we will visit your property to perform thorough checks every 2 to 3 weeks until the end of the nesting season. Additional checks may be scheduled in between these visits to follow up on nests that do not yet have a full clutch (e.g., less than 5 eggs).
What is done with the nests & eggs on my property?
Federal law prohibits the taking and keeping of nests or eggs. Therefore, WGC Indy will properly bag and dispose of nests and eggs in an appropriate, offsite location. Should your property have a preferred disposal location, please contact WGC Indy.
