Administration and Finance

You don't need to spend much time at UNF to realize the campus is a haven for Canada geese.

It's that time of year again!! Adult Canada geese can be very aggressive in defending their nests and goslings. This behavior lasts from the time eggs are laid until the time the offspring take on adult coloring. Typically, you first get a hissing sound as a warning. If not dissuaded, the birds may charge or even fly at you. Employees, students, and visitors can be threatened and chased by geese, The Canada goose is a protected species under the Federal Migratory Bird Act. So, here are some suggestions for dealing with aggressive Canada geese.

Avoid nesting areas and goslings: Do not go near nests, goslings, or adult geese with their goslings.

Show them who's boss: When challenged by a goose, try flapping your arms and yelling. It may not look to cool, but this technique has been shown effective in getting geese to back down.

Get help: Contact EH&S. We can have temporary fences placed around nests or between nests and walkways. In some highly sensitive areas, with a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, nests can be relocated or removed.

Be Careful When Driving: Geese and goslings often walk in the roads. Please be sure to yield to them and give them plenty of space when you drive by them.

Back to Administration & Finance's main page