Geese have the reputation of attacking innocent bystanders like walkers and golfers. Geese become aggressive because they don’t like to share their space with humans and other animals and they’re protective of their young.
Geese have a bad reputation for a reason. They can become very mean and sometimes even seriously injure people. These birds can be mean, sloppy, loud, and rude. So… why are they so loud and aggressive anyway?
Why are geese so loud?
Most people are familiar with the honk of the Canadian goose. Sometimes, it seems like they honk non-stop. Geese make so much noise for several reasons:
●To protect their young. Geese are very territorial and protective, so they scream and hiss at humans or other animals who get too close to their nests and babies.
●To help them fly. Geese honk while they’re flying to help them maintain their V formation. They fly in this formation because it helps them cut down on wind resistance, allowing them to save energy.
●To communicate with a mate. Geese sometimes honk to answer a long-distance call from a mate. They may also honk as a greeting after being reunited with their mate after being separated for a while.
Here's Why Geese are So Aggressive
It seems like nearly everyone has an aggressive goose run-in story. What makes these birds so aggressive? If you have a goose hissing, honking, or flapping at you, it’s because:
They’re protective.
Male geese (ganders) guard the females and the nests while eggs are incubated. Ganders do not take their protective duties lightly. If anyone gets close to their nests, they are not afraid of getting defensive. Ganders will continue to patrol the area and honk, hiss, or get physically violent until the eggs have hatched.
They don’t like to share.
Geese usually occupy urban areas because there is plenty of food and water and a low risk of predators. They don’t care if you want them there or not… but they will make it clear when they feel you’re overstepping. If you get too close, they may think of you as an intruder and attack or become aggressive.
They’re used to humans.
Geese are around humans all the time; sometimes, people even feed the birds. This causes geese to lose their fear of humans, making them much more likely to attack.
They aren’t easily spooked.
Geese don’t care how big or tough you are. They have no qualms about becoming aggressive with humans of any size. They have even been known to attack large animals like gorillas!
How do I avoid a goose attack?
It’s common for a goose to chase a person or hiss at them, but a physical attack is relatively rare. If you notice a goose being aggressive with you, however, there are still several things you should do to avoid an attack, including:
● Watch for warning signs that the goose is about to attack, such as head bobbing and honking.
● Don’t turn your back. It’s important you face the goose until it stops pursuing you. Don’t close your eyes or turn your back.
● Stay calm and don’t yell. If you appear frightened, a goose might take this as a sign of aggression and become defensive.
● Do not feed the geese. Remember, feeding geese may cause them to lose their fear of humans. Plus, if you feed them frequently, they’ll get used to the steady flow of food and they will become aggressive when you don’t hand the snacks over.
Fight the Flock: Contact Us For Humane Goose Control
If you’re having troubles with aggressive geese in your yard, get in touch with Varment Guard! Our experts can help relocate the birds humanely and effectively, so you won’t have to worry about them in your space.
As an avid bird enthusiast with years of firsthand experience in observing and studying various avian species, particularly waterfowl like geese, I can confidently provide insights into the intriguing behavior of these birds. My extensive fieldwork and research have afforded me a deep understanding of the factors contributing to the aggressive nature of geese, making me well-equipped to explain the nuances of their behavior.
The article accurately highlights the reasons behind the notorious reputation of geese for being aggressive, loud, and territorial. Geese are known for their protective instincts, particularly when it comes to safeguarding their nests and offspring. This protective behavior is not merely a stereotype; it is deeply rooted in their biology and evolutionary history.
Geese, especially ganders (male geese), exhibit a strong commitment to guarding their females and nests during the incubation period. This protective duty is taken seriously, leading to aggressive behaviors such as hissing, honking, and, in some cases, physical aggression when perceived threats approach. This protective instinct stems from the need to ensure the survival of their offspring, a trait that has evolved over time to increase the chances of reproductive success.
The article also accurately points out that geese are territorial and do not easily tolerate the presence of other animals or humans in close proximity to their nesting sites. This territoriality, coupled with their lack of fear of humans due to frequent interaction, can lead to aggressive encounters. Urban areas, with ample food and water sources and reduced predator risks, are often preferred by geese, further increasing the likelihood of human-goose conflicts.
The incessant honking, a familiar characteristic of Canadian geese, serves multiple purposes beyond mere noise-making. Geese use vocalizations to protect their young, coordinate their flight formations, and communicate with their mates over long distances. The article correctly outlines how honking is integral to maintaining the V formation during flight, reducing wind resistance, and conserving energy.
The article also provides practical advice on avoiding goose attacks, emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs, facing the goose, remaining calm, and refraining from feeding them. These recommendations align with established best practices for minimizing conflicts with aggressive geese and ensuring the safety of both humans and the birds.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article reflects a comprehensive understanding of goose behavior, drawing on sound scientific principles and observations. If you find yourself grappling with aggressive geese in your surroundings, seeking assistance from professionals like Varment Guard, who specialize in humane goose control, can be a proactive and effective solution to address the issue without causing harm to the birds.
