Thursday, March 28th, 2024
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Millersville “Sheds Light” on Goose Problem

To ensure the safety of campus, Millersville is taking action against the Canada geese on campus.

More than three dozen Canada geese call Millersville University their home, but are also interfering with the well- being of the students and faculty on campus. Canada Goose Management, a company that specializes in controlling these animals, will soon be using hazing techniques in the middle of the night to maintain no-tolerance zones.

Millersville's "Swan Pond" has become home to more than just our swans.

Millersville provides an excellent habitat for the geese; however, these animals present a danger to individuals walking near the site. Employees, students and visitors are at risk while they walk on campus, due to the fecal matter that is present on walk surfaces and pond water. This fecal matter exists through direct and indirect contact, which can easily be carried into academic facilities and vehicles from foot traffic.

Exposure can lead to zoonotic diseases, which are caused by infectious agents that can be transmitted between animals and humans, and the transference parasite transfer. In addition, the geese can become aggressive to those that come too close to their nest space and goslings.

The objective of the hazing technique is to keep new geese from habituating and imprinting to the site. This work requires the feet of these animals to remain on the ground, while using lights and lasers to eliminate the negative impact the geese are having on the property. These lights will frighten the geese and force them to relocate and will not cause harm. This process will be completed in the middle of the night.

Currently, the University is within a one-year trial period to determine if a resolution to this problem can be reached.

For more information, contact Lenny Aurand, director of housekeeping, grounds and moving, at Lenny.Aurand@millersville.edu.

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