What to know about geese nesting in central Ohio that can be prone to aggression

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As Canada geese lay their eggs in Ohio each spring, a local wildlife center warns residents the birds are more likely to be aggressive toward humans.

Each year in late winter to early spring, geese migrate north from their winter homes in the southern United States and northern Mexico. The birds travel north to access to favorable conditions for their offspring, including abundant nesting areas and food resources.

Geese build their nests and lay eggs in the state from March through June, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The birds typically lay about five to six eggs per breeding season, which hatch after about 28 days.

During this period, known as nesting, female geese will sit on their eggs while males defend the nest, making them more prone to aggression. 

“They tend to stay in pairs, monogamous pairs typically, and so when those pairs are nesting, they do tend to be very protective,” said Lindsey Meredith, a volunteer manager with the Ohio Wildlife Center.

Warning signs that a goose may attack include hissing, honking, spreading their wings or head bobbing. There are ways residents can avoid a goose attack when they come in contact with an aggressive bird, according to Sydney Mullett, a customer experience and admissions manager with the wildlife center.

“If you're finding an aggressive goose in your area, if you maintain eye contact with them, stand your ground when you're confronted and move very slowly, you can avoid any type of aggressive interaction that might occur,” Mullett said. “Just avoid running or waving your arms.”

Meredith and Mullett also recommended against going near a nesting goose, which can help prevent a confrontation from occurring all together. Geese typically create their nests on the ground in close proximity to ponds or lakes, however, they can sometimes be found in areas with human traffic that are hard to avoid.

“What you can do is you can provide them with a partial blockade or a little barrier around their nests so they can have that extra sense of safety,” Mullett said. “Frequently people will use snow or safety fencing to enclose just one side of the nest, so it's protected from human activity but mom can easily access that nest as well. People have also had success with using some traffic cones.”

Canada geese are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it generally illegal to move or destroy a goose nest. Residents who want to relocate a nest out of their yard or place of work can attempt to get a permit allowing them to do so by contacting the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 614-265-6300.

“Once those babies are hatched, they’re going to go ahead and move them to another location to start grazing and looking for some food,” Mullett said.

Geese do not have teeth, and attacks most commonly result in minor injuries such as bruises or scratches. However, documented attacks have caused serious physical harm, including broken bones and head injuries, most of which occurred when the person tried to avoid the attack and tripped on an object, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. 

Since geese are more prevalent in the spring, they may wander into traffic more often. If a resident comes across an injured goose, they can contact the Ohio Wildlife Center at 614-793-9453.