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Goose-be-gone: how Winnipeg is fighting a big honkin’ problem

If you’ve been keeping your eyes peeled to the ground for goose droppings, you’re not alone. A pilot project designed to get a better count on Winnipeg’s geese numbers says there’s evidence to show their numbers are on the rise, although it won’t say by how much just yet.

Last fall the city decided to wage war on the often pesky birds by investing about 50 thousand dollars into a dedicated staff member and new equipment.

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City naturalists are currently monitoring 11 retention basins around Winnipeg with deterrent experiments being conducted on four.

Fake plastic coyotes and holographic tape are some of the tools

“It’s something unexpected for the geese, and so if they say it, they maybe don’t feel comfortable hanging around,” said Kristin Tuchscherer.

But it’s not yet clear if the program is working. Data compiled won’t be released until after most of the geese have flown south for the winter.

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In some neighborhoods the problem has grown so bad schools have had to move recess to different fields, and dog walkers say they too have had to change their routes.

“It can be quite annoying,” said Lindenwoods resident Tim Burns. “There are a lot of goose droppings. You always have to watch wear you’re walking, so you can’t look at the lake.

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