(Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By Christian Oldale

City of Lethbridge introduces ‘Goosinator’ unit to address goose-related issues at Henderson Lake

Nov 29, 2024 | 12:38 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge has introduced a new tool to address challenges caused by geese and other waterfowl.

The tool, which the City has called the Goosinator unit, is a remote-control hazing device aimed at addressing the increasing population of waterfowl, particularly at Henderson Lake.

According to the City, many birds have begun remaining in the Lethbridge area during the winter months, which they attribute to unseasonably warm weather and human interference.

As a result, some issues have arisen, including:

• human-goose conflicts
• accumulation of goose feces
• wildlife health
• water quality degradation
• turf health
• pet-wildlife interactions

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Jackie Cardinal, Parks Natural Resource Coordinator with the City of Lethbridge says, “Use of the device will encourage waterfowl to move away from Henderson Lake Park while reducing the overall flock size in the future. This innovative approach aligns with the City’s broader goose management plan, which includes methods like planting tall shoreline treatments and egg reductions.”

The Goosinator will be deployed in the late fall to encourage the birds to migrate, as well as in the late winter before nesting season.

However, the City adds that hazing will not occur once nests become established with viable eggs, or when young birds have begun hatching or when birds are flightless.

Henderson Lake has been identified as the primary focus for the unit, but the device may also be used in other impacted areas such as Sherring Sports Park and Fairmont Lake Park.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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