How to Stop a Goose Attack: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

FAQs

How to Stop a Goose Attack: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow? ›

If the goose attacks

If the goose flies up towards your face, duck and move at a 90-degree angle, still facing the goose. As you continue to move away from the nesting area, the attack should cease. As the geese population grows, we need to make sure we are continuing to be aware when in natural areas.

If the goose attacks

If the goose flies up towards your face, duck and move at a 90-degree angle, still facing the goose. As you continue to move away from the nesting area, the attack should cease. As the geese population grows, we need to make sure we are continuing to be aware when in natural areas.

The best way to keep geese away from your pond, lawn, yard and property is to use a combination of products. By placing a liquid deterrent around the edges of ponds and near your buildings or populated areas along with installing decoys in key locations, you can effectively prevent geese from ever returning.

In reality, there is no winning a fight with a goose. If you find yourself locked in battle, your goal should be to minimize damage. Goose attacks are no joke; the Ohio Division of Wildlife has documented goose attack-related injuries including broken bones and head injuries.

Another option is to use chemical repellents, which can be dispersed as a fog or sprayed on grass to keep geese away from high-priority areas. Loud noises (such as pyrotechnics and propane cannons) can also be useful in places like airports for scaring geese away.

Some people report having had luck doing something like this: hold him by the neck just below his head--without squeezing--to immobilize him and keep him from biting you. Sternly say, "No!" If he won't stop, continue to hold his neck so you don't get bitten, and talk to him gently until he calms down.

There are several sounds that have been found to be effective in scaring away geese. These can include predator calls, distress cries of geese, and loud noises such as clapping or banging pots.

Flight Control® Max takes away their food source making it a goose deterrent that works! When geese eat grass treated with Flight Control® Max, they experience a strong, but harmless, digestive irritation.

In the event a goose bites you or hits you with its wings, seek medical attention. Geese are strong, and can cause injury when provoked. You may require stitches or a cast if a goose attacks you. Go to the emergency room for assessment as soon as you get away.

Can you kick a goose if it attacks you? ›

Back away slowly and never run, yell, kick, or act aggressively in any way. If you do, the other bird may attack you as well.

Federal law protects Canada geese. It is illegal to harm geese, their eggs, or their nests in the United States without permission from the U.S. Fish and Wild Service (USFWS). Geese may be harassed or scared away without a permit as long as the geese, goslings, eggs, and nests are not harmed.

Fines ranging from $5,000 – $15,000 depending on the offensive action. Imprisonment for six months or more depending on the misdemeanor. Felony charges for guilty offenses. Forfeit property used to violate the Act.

Maintain a neutral demeanor. Spread your arms to look bigger. If the goose flies at your face, duck. And instead of turning around and running away, try to move perpendicularly away from the goose while still facing the attacking goose.

Spray Them Away

Geese hate the smell of pepper spray and vinegar, but it's generally not recommended to use pepper spray on your lawn because these sprays are toxic for children and other animals who may end up ingesting it (if they eat grass or dirt).

They may inflict a painful bite or strike with the edge of a wing. People may be injured after slipping on goose droppings. Geese may create hazards on roads and traffic accidents in urban areas. When in the vicinity of airports, they are a significant threat to public health and safety.

Don't try to fight a goose. This is an act of hostility. This will only make it more aggressive.

Geese can get pretty aggressive. The behavior relates to the fact that they are large, clumsy birds. They can't easily hide when threatened, so they resort to aggression to ward off danger. The best way to avoid aggression aimed in your direction is to take time to greet your geese whenever you enter their yard.

Chasing is going to stress them out and will likely make them skittish around you. Lowering yourself down to their level and offering a little bit of feed or a treat can help encourage geese to want to spend time with you! Some more nervous geese may actively avoid your grip, so they might require a bit more coaxing.