Frequently Asked Questions about Canada Geese in Cupertino

Why do the geese like Cupertino?
The geese are attracted to Cupertino parks for the following:

• Fertilized lawn grass
• Easy ability to escape from predators
• Clear escape route

What is the city planning to do?
In January 2013, the city will look into hiring a service with specially trained herding dogs to come in the spring and summer of 2012 to help make the park less pleasant for the geese.

What has the city done in the past?
The city has attempted to use the following, with only limit and temporary success:

• Swan decoys
• Coloring the water at Memorial Park (the geese do not like to see their reflection)
• Letting grass grow higher
• Draining ponds during winter months

Why not use radio controlled boats or vehicles, how about lasers?
Other agencies have used these methods successfully in combination with other strategies. The city may develop a pilot project to try these methods.

What can residents do to help?
The residents should stop feeding the geese. This is not healthy for the geese and leads to their favoring of the park environment and potentially aggressive behavior.

When will the dog solution be implemented?
Around May of 2013 dogs will be used for approximately one month (after their nesting season, and prior to their molting). The dogs will be redeployed around the middle of July after their molting period.

Will the dogs harm the geese?
No. The trained dogs will attempt to herd the geese, rather than catch or harm them. The dogs do not bark to scare or herd the geese.

How much will this cost?
It is estimated it will cost the city approximately $1,500 per month to hire the trained dogs service company.

Has the city consulted any experts or done any research on this issue?
A significant amount of research has been independently conducted to determine what Canada geese abatement methods may work best in an environment similar to Cupertino’s.

The Humane Society of the United States and GeesePeace were consulted. These two non-profit organization have well-documented and established model programs that are the basis of our proposed actions.

In addition, other cities and agencies in the region have continued dialogue on the outcome of various strategies and determent methods.