Aggressive, but nonlethal, geese mitigation plan in Foster City

A new plan recommends a variety of techniques, including using remote control devices, strobe lights, lasers and chemical repellents. It could also include “propane cannons, pyrotechnics and electronic devices,” the report said, though such methods may trigger noise restrictions.

Dan Biteman, senior biologist at Wildlife Innovations, said during the Dec. 2 meeting that the city should focus on mitigation efforts at several strategically situated parks.

“Parks were prioritized that are on the lagoon,” Biteman said. “They really like to have food sources next to water sources. Water provides an escape from predators.”

The geese have been more than just a nuisance for city residents. Staff say the increase has reduced water quality within the lagoon, as the high amount of fecal matter introduces health risks, such as the spread of pathogens like E. coli. Feces also fuel algae blooms and degrade lagoon water quality, Biteman said.

Despite the high-profile nature of Foster City’s geese mitigation efforts, the issue is not unique to the area. Canada geese have increased almost 11% annually between the early 1990s and 2015 in North America, Biteman said.

Wildlife Innovation’s proposed plan for the city includes habitat modification, which could replace well-manicured grass areas with tall, thick vegetation, or rocks and shrubs. According to a staff report, hazing, or deterrence methods, could include a mix of chemical repellents, sound making devices — like pyrotechnics or propane cannons — and remote controlled devices that resemble predators.

Councilmember Sam Hindi added that he is in strong favor of reproductive control methods.

“I think it is really critical to have an egg addling plan and to make sure that you have enough professionals doing that,” Hindi said. “You have to have a meaningful addling part of this plan.”

Egg addling is used to prevent eggs from hatching, such as moving the eggs from the nest or coating them with oil.

Over the last couple of years, the city has deployed some mitigation tactics but has had to work on a report to assess the environmental impacts per the California Environmental Quality Act before pursuing a more robust plan.

Vice Mayor Stacy Jimenez said she wants to pursue as many nonlethal strategies as possible.

“Let’s be as aggressive as we can,” Jimenez said. “They are becoming an absolute nuisance, they’re eroding the quality of life in Foster City, they’re eroding our landscape, they’re dangerous to our pets, they’re dangerous to our kids, and at this point it feels like it’s gotten completely out of hand.”

The city has budgeted about $70,000 for the goose mitigation efforts, according to the staff report.