CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Canada geese are a common site year-round in Chattanooga, but you may want to take some precautions around them right now.
While it’s a misconception that Canada geese are inherently aggressive, they are more defensive this time of year due to molting season.
The geese are often seen in large groups near bodies of water.
David Aborn, Professor of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at UTC, says…
“A goose isn’t going to just chase after you for no reason, you know, they have a reason for doing that.”
Canada geese are in their molting season, meaning they can’t fly and are more visible right now.
“Birds have to molt their feathers periodically, you know, the feathers get worn from just flying and from feather mites chewing on them, and so forth,” Aborn says.
Experts say they can be really stressed while growing new feathers.
Mike Butler, Chief Executive Officer for the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and Waterfowl Biologist, says…
“If they can’t fly, which is their primary way to escape, they can at least skim across the water or move pretty quick to get out of the way.”
Right now, these geese will be more sensitive to danger, especially with their young.
“They’re going to be very defensive of their young, and so if you get too close to their nest or to their chicks, you know, they’re going to try and chase you away,” Aborn says.
Butler adds…
“Typically, if you get in the personal space, they might blow up their wings and come running at you and honk and try to nip you, but other than that, if you give them space, they give you the space.”
UTC Professor David Aborn says that the biggest thing that can provoke them is getting too close or intentionally harassing them.
“Stay facing towards them, if you turn your back, that’s a sign of submission, and so they’re going to say, ‘okay, you know this, this individual is scared of me, you know, I’m really going to go after them.'”
Professor Aborn says molting will only last a few weeks into mid-July.
Doctor Aborn says another misconception about Canada geese is feeding them bread.
He says feeding the geese or even ducks is discouraged, but if you are going to do it, feed them lettuce or peas instead.