MISHAWAKA, Ind. (WNDU) – Mishawaka is working to relocate Canada geese that residents say are crowding parks, ponds and other public spaces across the city.
People said the geese and their droppings are hard to miss, including along the Riverwalk.
EARLIER REPORTING: Mishawaka prepares for second Canada goose relocation in two years
Willie, a Mishawaka resident, said the problem gets worse in summer.
“In the summertime they be real messy, leaving a mess and stuff all around your doors,” Willie said. “It’s just what they leave behind and we got to clean up behind them.”
The geese have been seen in parks, apartment complexes and in streets. Some residents said the overpopulation is more than a nuisance and could pose a public safety concern, including around waterways and splash pads for children. Others said the birds damage turf and landscaping.
Laura Cecil, a Mishawaka resident, said she has enjoyed watching geese hatch, though she noted how close they can be to the road.
“But it’s been fun to see them hatch and see where they hatch,” Cecil said. “How near they are to the road has been kind of interesting.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mishawaka to relocate geese in hopes of solving overpopulation problem
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is helping the city with nonlethal tactics as part of the relocation effort. Those tactics include coyote decoys, temporary fences and turf treatment, according to city officials.
When asked about the city relocating the geese over the next few days, Willie said he supports the plan.
“I think it’s a good thing,” he said.
Cecil said relocation could make sense if the geese interfere with the ecosystem.
“I saw a goose the other day without a foot, so if there’s too much predation I guess,” Cecil said.
A Mishawaka city leader involved with the plan told WNDU the process will not take long, with the Indiana DNR expected to relocate the geese in about a few days.
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