Olander officials discuss ways to fend off geese

A walker at Olander Park had an encounter with a goose which was apparently defending a nearby nest.

Walkers and other visitors to Olander Park often can't help but notice unsightly goose feces.

The protected bird calls Olander home during the warm months. Park officials say park-goers are complaining about the mess on the walkway, which is more than a nuisance because the large birds can become aggressive if someone steps too close to a nest. Officials say have received complaints about the birds blocking off walking paths. The birds also sometimes occupy the beach in the summer at the swimming area in Lake Olander.

Park officials are pondering ways to naturally deter the birds.

Commissioner Harold McElmurry suggested allowing leashed dogs to enter the park as a way to deter the goose population.

However, park officials wondered if that would lead to another unsightly mess of dog feces, even though bags would be provided.

At the commissioners' meeting last week, Mr. McElmurry said that one year the park received a permit to remove some of the goose eggs. Interim park director Erika Buri said dogs would create a natural buffer and the geese may be unlikely to build a next close to the path that loops around the park.

Another natural deterrent suggested was planting high grasses around lake’s bank, except for the beach area left open for swimmers. The grass would be high enough to discourage geese to linger around the water’s edge.

“Geese like an unimpeded path to the water,” Ms. Buri said.

The bonus to this approach is that the planting may decrease some erosion around the banks, but it would cost money to do so.

The commissioners plan to further discuss the issue at the next meeting 5 p.m. Feb. 25.

Contact Natalie Trusso Cafarello at: 419-206-0356, or ntrusso@theblade.com, or on Twitter @natalietrusso.