Alert:
Fairfax County faces a rising population of resident Canada geese that reside here year-round, causing growing concerns and conflicts among residents.
Canada geese are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm or kill them, including Fairfax County’s resident goose population.
Feeding Canada geese or other wildlife is discouraged. Supplemental feeding can make geese reliant on humans, increase aggressive behavior, heighten conflicts with people and spread wildlife-transmitted diseases. In addition, Virginia law prohibits feeding any wild animal when doing so results in property damage, endangers people or wildlife or creates a public health risk (see 4VAC15-40-286).
Addling is a humane method used to control goose populations by preventing eggs from developing. The recommended technique involves coating eggs with 100% corn oil within 14 days of laying. Approximately 400 eggs are addled each year on Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) property by FCPA and wildlife staff to slow population growth. Residents can obtain a federal permit for addling at no cost to control resident geese on private land. Learn more about federal permits for resident goose control.
Geese are attracted to certain landscape features, such as bodies of water, accessible food sources, and open nesting areas. Modifying landscapes can deter geese by reducing their access to these attractants. Strategies include planting tall vegetation along shorelines, which reduces sightlines and provides a visual barrier, and eliminating mowed areas near water bodies to limit access to food sources. Physical deterrents like fencing can also help. Educational signage discouraging the feeding of waterfowl with inappropriate foods, such as bread or popcorn, can further aid in controlling geese populations.
