DND warns of spring geese takeover of Carling Campus
The Canadian military has issued a warning to staff about geese at its Carling Avenue headquarters, advising those who encounter the sometimes aggressive birds to remain calm and don't panic.
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The situation has developed over the years where geese have taken over the grounds of the defence campus in Ottawa's west end. That happens during breeding season as Canada geese can become extremely aggressive after laying eggs.
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Department of National Defence spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown said a directive has been issued to staff by the Canadian Forces Support Group outlining how to behave if they encounter the birds.
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If employees encounter one of the birds that is displaying aggressive behaviour, they are advised to 'remain calm and do not panic. Try to move away slowly and quietly without turning your back to the goose. Maintain eye contact while you back away.'
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'If the goose charges or hisses, raise your arms to appear larger and back away slowly,' the directive advised.
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Nesting season is from March to May.
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The Toronto Wildlife Centre has pointed out that Canada geese attacking people or cars is a sure sign that a goose nest is nearby. The Carling Campus is surrounded by the Ottawa Greenbelt, where geese nest. The birds, which are also well-known for their defensive nesting behaviour, also nest in busy urban areas near people and cars, according to the centre.
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The centre pointed out that sometimes a nest isn't obvious as it might be in a planter or on a nearby roof.
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It is unclear how many geese are at the the Carling Avenue defence headquarters. 'Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) Operations does not track the number of geese at NDHQ Carling,' Drescher Brown noted in an email.
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Geese Relief, a U.S. firm that uses specially trained dogs to keep Canada geese in check by scaring them off, pointed out that most attacks on humans result in minor or no injuries. But severe injuries can happen. 'Goose attacks have resulted in broken bones, head trauma, and emotional distress,' the company said on its website. 'Many of these injuries occur when the person tries to avoid an attacking goose and trips and falls.'
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