Please Don't Feed the Geese

Several Canada geese standing on a residential sidewalk, grass, and street in a West Des Moines neighborhood.
This photo shows the result of feeding geese in a neighborhood. It leads to residue on sidewalks and yards, and creates traffic hazards.

Feeding waterfowl and other birds is a popular activity, but it can be harmful to the birds and the environment. Here is why you should let geese find food on their own:

    • Reasons to avoid feeding wild geese and birds
    Problem How it affects birds and the community
    Poor Nutrition Junk food like bread, crackers, and popcorn makes birds feel full but doesn't give them the vitamins they need. This can lead to health problems.
    Overcrowding Feeding causes too many geese to gather in one area, leading to overpopulation.
    Disease Spread High-carb diets cause more droppings, which spread bacteria and diseases among birds and humans.
    Pollution Uneaten food and bird waste pollute our yards, sidewalks, and local waterways.
    Loss of Natural Fear Birds that rely on humans lose their fear of people and cars, placing them in dangerous situations or making them aggressive.

    How You Can Help

    Wild geese have plenty of natural, healthy food in their own habitat. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the best ways to care for waterfowl are:

    • Stop feeding them: Let them remain wild and find their own nutritious food.
    • Educate others: Share what you have learned with neighbors and friends.

    Thank you to geeserelief.com for permission to share this information.