CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – It has been nearly a year since Parks and Recreation installed predator decoys at Liberty Park pond to combat the large number of geese in the area, though waterfowl populations remain an issue at the park.
August 2020, the city installed coyote decoys as a way of addressed the rising goose population, though the birds are still proving to be an issue. The birds
“Liberty Park is a great place for picnics, exercise, playtime, and to enjoy nature, but the geese that typically migrate in and out of the area are making the park their full-time home and causing problems for park patrons and maintenance crews,” Parks and Recreation spokesman Ryan Sample said in a release.
Approximately 250 geese currently call Liberty Park home, and the amount of waste they generate continues to be an issue. According Parks and Recreation, each goose produces one pound of waste per day and up to four pounds if they are hand-fed. The waste damages the park turf, causes slip hazards on walkways, poses health risks and damages the protected wetlands.
The geese also reproduce in large numbers, with a single goose able to hatch five goslings in an average mating season. All of this results in a growing burden to taxpayers.
In addition to the coyote decoys, the City will place fox and alligator decoys around and inside the pond to further deter geese from making a permanent home of the pond. The decoys will be moved periodically to keep the geese from getting too comfortable.
Don’t feed the geese
Signage at the park reminds patrons that feeding waterfowl and other wildlife is prohibited at Liberty Park.
“Supplemental feeding has several negative consequences on goose habits,” said Jennifer Letourneau, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The most important step the public can take to help us address the overcrowding of geese in the park and restore the animals’ natural drive to migrate is to avoid feeding them. We invite our guests to enjoy the park’s wildlife from afar while observing their natural habits.”
The Canada goose was once decimated by hunting and loss of environment. A successful effort to grow the population took place decades ago and they resettled in large numbers across the country. Canadian geese prefer to eat grass and tend to graze in areas with large open spaces and within sight of water to allow them room to escape predators.