thunder wrote:
On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:26:44 -0400, Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:


There are many public and private lakes (including those run by the C of
E's ) that are now allowing or hiring hunters to kill the Canadian Geese
that are no longer migrating due to people feeding them. These geese
have taken over coves and lakes that would have been a brief stopover on
their migratory path, until people thought it would be cute or helpful
to feed them.

I don't think that's an accurate assessment. Migratory and non-migratory Canada geese are different
subspecies. Branta canadensis maxima being the larger non-migratory goose.

http://www.esatoday.com/arresident.html

I wouldn't know a migratory vs non-migratory Geese if I meet one. I am
basing my assessment based upon the Dept of Natural Resources in States
all over the USA, including the State of Maryland. If you read the
piece you posted they highlighted that the problem in Maryland was
created when Canadian Geese were released into the lakes 50 - 75 years
ago. According to the Georgia Dept of Natural Resources the problem in
Georiga is the result of people feeding migratory geese who have become
nonmigratory.

Either way, ALL DNR are emphatic that it is unhealthy for the Geese and
all wildlife to be feed by humans.

This is what the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources says concerning
feeding Wildlife:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/feedingwildlife.asp

Feeding leads to crowding and crowding causes stress.

Supplemental food sources do not contribute to a wildlife population’s
well-being Wild animals need varied, natural foods as a part of their
normal diet. Their digestive systems are adapted to extract energy from
a variety of foods available throughout the seasons. Though wildlife may
accept handouts from people, they will likely not get the balanced diet
they need for good health. For example, deer have sensitive digestive
systems that cannot readily adapt to supplemental food sources. In fact,
winter starved deer have actually died with full stomachs because their
digestive system was unable to process the supplemental food.

and from http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnew...3099goose.html

Discontinue Feeding


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Although many people enjoy feeding waterfowl in parks and on private
property, this often contributes to goose problems. Feeding may cause
large numbers of geese to congregate in unnatural concentrations.
Well-fed domestic waterfowl often act as decoys, attracting wild birds
to a site. Feeding usually occurs in the most accessible areas, making a
mess of heavily used lawns, walkways, roads, and parking areas.
Supplemental feeding also teaches geese to be unafraid of people, making
control measures less effective. Feeding may be unhealthy for the birds
too, especially if bread or popcorn becomes a large part of their diet.
Once feeding is discontinued, geese will disperse and revert to higher
quality natural foods. Geese that depend on human handouts are also less
likely to migrate when severe winter weather arrives, and are more
vulnerable to disease.

Feeding of all wild and domestic waterfowl on both public and private
property in urban situations should be prohibited as an important step
in controlling Canada goose problems. A public education program should
accompany the initiation of an anti-feeding ordinance to stimulate
public interest, participation, and support. An anti-feeding ordinance
must be enforced to be effective and may require a penalty sufficient to
deter the activity. An alternative punishment to fines is to require
"community service" (e.g., cleaning up droppings) for violations. An
example of a no-feeding ordinance is included with this information for
adoption by housing associations, municipalities, and county governments.