Evaluation of Canada goose sterilization for population control

Kathryn A. Converse; James J. Kennelly

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USGS · 70006582

Evaluation of Canada goose sterilization for population control

Kathryn A. Converse·James J. Kennelly

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Abstract

We evaluated the vasectomy of 72 male Canada geese as a method to control growing populations of nuisance geese in Westchester County, New York. Thirty-three of the vasectomized males paired with a female and were located during ≥1 breeding seasons; 7 treated males were not seen following surgery. The remaining 32 males were never observed paired with a female during the breeding season. Of 56 nesting attempts by the 33 pairs in ≥1 breeding seasons, 84% of the nests were unsuccessful. Fidelity to nest sites during the second and third breeding seasons occurred for 17 of the 18 vasectomized males and their females that were observed for ≥2 seasons. The results suggest that male sterilization may reduce productivity of nuisance Canada geese providing one carefully selects areas and flocks suitable for this type of control.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 40.8761° to 41.3638° latitude; -73.9829° to -73.4838° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Kathryn A. Converse, James J. Kennelly. 1994. Evaluation of Canada goose sterilization for population control. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70006582

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