Reports of dead geese lead to park closure in Northampton Co. | Nazareth Area

NORTHAMPTON, Pa. – Northampton Borough closed Canal Street Park on Thursday after multiple dead geese were reported there the day before.

The closure affects the entire park, including the D&L Trail, playground, basketball and tennis courts, pavilion, walking paths, river access, and all grassy areas.

Officials say the Pennsylvania Game Commission arrived Thursday morning after being notified of the situation. The commission recommended shutting down the park and brought in a biologist to run tests on the geese.

Authorities suspect the bird flu may be the cause. As of 1:30 p.m., officials were actively culling geese in the park as a precaution.

Following the borough’s release, the Borough of Walnutport posted on Facebook requesting their citizens and visitors stay vigilant in the area of the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River due to the potential bird flu outbreak in Northampton.

Residents are urged to avoid any dead or sick geese and report sightings to the Northampton Borough Office at 610‑262‑2576 or the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 833‑742‑4868.

If you live in the Walnutport area, contact the borough at 610-437-5252.