Foster City moves forward with plan to kill some of the geese fouling lagoon waters

FOSTER CITY – Things have been so good for the geese in Foster City that the council has decided to take steps to reduce the resulting gander — by authorizing the possible killing of up to 100 birds. 

An over abundant waterfowl population of Canada geese in Foster City has led to potential health hazards, deteriorating lagoon water quality and other sanitation concerns, a spokesperson for the city said. 

Testing on lagoon water has shown elevated bacteria levels that can be directly linked to the geese. 

The city was quick to point out that taking the lethal route is one of many options and would only be exercised selectively and in conjunction with a wide variety of nonlethal methods. 

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However, on Tuesday the council agreed to issue permits for the Canada Goose depredation plan. 

Non-lethal methods that will be tried include egg addling and hazing as well as landscape modification. Egg addling is removing a fertilized egg from a nest and destroying the embryo and then returning the egg to the nest. 

Another non-lethal option is hazing: creating an environment designed to deter geese from wanting to make their homes in the area through certain noises or lighting.  

“We understand that this is a very sensitive issue,” said Derek Schweigart, the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation. “Any depredation that would occur or any culling would be done very carefully and selectively. Again, it’s going to be in conjunction with these other non-lethal options.”

If the city does move forward with pursuing the lethal option, Schweigart said it is still a ways away.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the city might move forward with this, however, really the actual methods will depend on the vendor,” he said. “Any vendor that we would have to select, we’d have to go to Council for approval, and we’d have to go for approval for a contract. We’re not even close to doing that at this point.”

Residents with feedback about the city’s geese plan are encouraged to email [email protected].

Max Darrow contributed to this story.