DON’T FEED THE GEESE
Help protect wildlife, water quality, and our shared spaces.
Feeding geese may seem kind, but it can cause serious problems – for the birds as well as for our waterways and neighborhoods. Human food disrupts their natural behaviors, harms their health and leads to overcrowding. By not feeding geese, you help protect local ecosystems while keeping community spaces cleaner and safer for everyone.
Why Feeding Geese Can Be Harmful
- Feeding makes geese depend on people instead of finding natural food
- Bread and snacks lack the nutrients geese need and can cause health problems
- Fed geese return again and again, leading to overcrowding
- Large flocks create more droppings and messes in parks, on sidewalks and in yards
- Geese that associate people with food may become bold or aggressive
- Aggressive birds can pose risks to children, pets and adults
- Overgrazing damages grass, shorelines and natural habitats
The Impact on Our Waterways
- Goose droppings wash into storm drains and local waterways
- Waste adds excess nutrients that fuel algae growth and poor water quality
- Polluted runoff can harm fish, wildlife, and recreation like swimming and boating
What You Can Do Instead
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance
- Teach children not to feed wild animals
- Throw food scraps away properly
- Share the message with neighbors and friends