Canada's Quirky Solution to Goose Trouble

When Canadian geese invade your space, would you dare to honk back? The City of Ottawa certainly does! As part of a novel approach to keep these feathered friends away from Mooney's Bay Beach, officials are employing a remote-control car to guide the geese in a different direction.

Meet the Goose-Busting Sand Car!

Since July, Ottawa has introduced the Traxxas Pro Scale Sand Car, an impressive remote-controlled vehicle weighing around 10 kg and measuring over 81 cm long. Trained staff maneuver this sand car for about an hour each day, traversing the beach’s mixed terrain to help move geese away from high-traffic pedestrian and cyclist routes.

Why Not Drones?

You might be wondering why drones aren't the go-to choice as they are in other areas. Unfortunately, due to the nearby airport, drone use is off the table at Mooney's Bay Beach. Hence, the sand car serves as an effective alternative!

The Case Against Geese: More Than Just a Nuisance

While many view Canadian geese as just a quirky part of nature, their impact in Ontario is more severe. Each goose consumes about 1.6 kg of grass daily, leading to potential destruction of parks, lawns, and golf courses. To make matters worse, they also produce copious amounts of fecal matter—almost 0.9 kg per day per goose! This not only makes parks unpleasant but can also pose health risks due to bacteria and parasites that thrive in their droppings.

Controlling the Goose Population

Without proper management, the urban goose population can swell drastically. In fact, it can double in size every few years! With each goose laying between three to six eggs annually and having a lifespan of up to 24 years, unchecked growth is a genuine concern.

A Call for Professional Help

To ensure the safety and cleanliness of public spaces, city officials urge residents to leave the goose control efforts to the professionals. So, next time you spot a pesky goose, remember that Ottawa is working hard to keep the beach pristine and enjoyable for everyone!