As many Virginia drivers realize, it is the time of year when the streets are lined (even more than usual) with the large gray and black birds we call Canadian Geese.
According to the Varment Guard, Geese migrate two times a year. Once starting in April to their breeding areas up north, and once starting in September or October, when they migrate south to avoid the overly cold temperatures in their breeding grounds. That migration path makes its way down to us, and therefore our roads.
According to senior Hunter Velzis, “Geese are the worst things alive.”
“They are [the biggest] nuisance on the earth. They’re everywhere,” added Velzis.
This is a common sentiment with Virginia Beach residents, who often feel like the geese’s constant presence on the roads puts a hefty wrench in their commutes. However, some people disagree with that sentiment, feeling that the geese have the same right to our roads as we do.
“They get a really bad rap” said SCA President senior Sammi Easmeil. “They are easy to get annoyed at but really they are just other animals… I think they should be respected as animals.”
Against some driver’s wishes, the government sides with the geese. They are a protected species and cannot be intentionally killed. However, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR), there are certain methods to reduce the geese population.
The VDWR has permitted Virginia residents to engage in two preventative actions towards the geese invasion. One, permitting citizens to relocate or dispose of nests on their property, otherwise known as Nest and Egg Depredation Order, another permitting citizens to use lethal force to protect agricultural land, or the Agriculture Depredation Order.
“I want them out of America,” said senior Phaedra Diacopoulos. “Canada can have them back.”
One of the reasons citizens find themselves opposed to the goose population is geeses propensity to honk, chase, and even bite.
“Geese’s necks are very strong and if you get attacked by their wings it could break your nose,” cautioned Easmeil.
Virginia Beach citizens are polarized on their opinions on the geese, but one common sentiment I found in my research was that we all wish they would stay off the road.
