By Madeline Shepard, Watersheds Coordinator
Goose poop: a familiar sight for those who frequent Michigan’s state parks, a dreaded seasonal chore for waterfront homeowners, and a popular party-pooper on barefooted strolls. Beyond inconvenience, goose poop is common source of the toxin producing bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). High concentrations of E. coli can quickly become a threat to both human and waterbody health.
E. coli is found in the lower intestines of people and animals. Most strains are harmless, but some can cause sickness. The strain of E. coli frequently detected in surface waters is transferred through fecal-oral transmission. For example, where one goose poops and another goose eats or drinks.
E. coli isn’t just carried in geese and waterfowl. Runoff poorly managed livestock manure is a major source of E. coli and often pose a larger threat than your local flock. Humans can be exposed to the bacteria by swimming in waters where concentrations are high. The symptoms of infection in humans are similar to those of food poisoning. Most symptoms resolve on their own within 3 days.
In addition to posing a human health threat, excessive amounts of goose poop can contribute to algal blooms, plant overgrowth and declining fish populations. Goose poop is rich in nutrients and acts as a fertilizer for algae. Algae populations overgrow and can block sunlight from aquatic plants. The algae die and decompose, then bacteria consume the oxygen in the water to create a “dead zone” where aquatic life, including fish, cannot survive. This is called eutrophication.
While we can’t put diapers on geese, there are several ways shoreline property owners can discourage them from lingering on the waterfront. Geese favor short grass; it’s better for feeding and visibility of potential predators.
Create a natural shoreline with tall grasses, logs, or native plants. This can be as simple as an un-mowed, 6-foot-wide section of tall native grasses. It will not only discourage geese, but prevent erosion and act as a natural barrier between the water and any feces that may still find its’ way into your yard.
Some landowners report success using scare devices, such as noise systems, motion detector accessories, plastic flags, and predator effigies. Others have reported success by allowing their dogs to chase geese off of their properties. In previous years, the DNR had allowed the capture and euthanasia of nuisance Canada Geese on a permit basis. However, since beginning of 2025, this program has been paused to reduce the spread of other diseases such as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu.
We would love to assist you in creating a natural shoreline. For more information on the how-to behind creating an affective natural barrier, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Madeline. If you would like to know more about how the Conservation District works with private landowners to protect their water please reach out to Madeline Shepard, CLMCD Watersheds Coordinator, by calling 906-748-0837 or email at madeline.shepard@macd.org.
