Why Are Flocks of Geese Being Rounded Up and Gassed in Michigan?

Michigan could soon be taking extreme measures to deal with its growing goose problem. Seriously, geese have become a major nuisance for golf courses, parks, and lake associations.

The idea of flocks of geese being rounded up, tossed into chambers, and gassed to death sounds a little disturbing and almost barbaric. But that’s exactly what’s about to happen, thanks to Michigan’s Canada Goose Nuisance Program.

But when you think about how much of a pain they have become, tearing up grass, crapping everywhere, and basically turning nice spots into nothing more than eyesores, it kind of makes sense why some folks are saying this is the only option left.

Some people believe it's not the only option, but that's not going to stop officials from moving forward with the lethal plan in June.

Gassing Canada Geese in Michigan

According to MLIve, private landowners can now apply for crews from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to capture and kill geese using portable, airtight gas chambers. But they’ll have to try every other option first before going down this road.

Look, this isn’t going to turn into some kind of goose-killing spree. Any situation where they’re rounding up Canada geese will be a last resort, and many people are hoping it won’t even come to that.

The locations will need at least 100 geese when they apply, and that has to be confirmed by a DNR inspection, or they’ll need to have a legit human health and safety concern to qualify. Like I said, they're not going to just go around gassing geese because people don't like them.

I hate the idea of killing any animal, but honestly, they’re getting out of control. This year is by far the worst I’ve seen in my neighborhood. Those loud, crapping-everywhere birds get up on my roof and make a total mess of my yard.

I don’t like the solution, but I get why people are asking for it.