The increase was due to habitat change caused by urban development favoring lawns and artificial lakes. Geese are particularly fond of the short, fertilized grass found in lawns. When raising young in July, they also like to be close to open water of ponds and lakes, since they lose their flight feathers and must rely upon swimming to escape disturbance or predators. Large Canada goose populations present safety, economic and nuisance problems, as well as health risks to geese and humans. In 1999 and 2000, the goose population leveled off and even appeared to drop in 2000 to around 2,800 birds.
Biologists suspect that the changes are due in part to increased hunting on the wintering grounds.
Also likely contributing are Anchorage s efforts to maintain control of the population, including the egg collection program and translocation of young urban geese to wildlife refuges, where it is hoped they will return to nest when they reach adulthood. The best way to limit the goose population over the long term is to change human habits, but this may be more difficult than modifying goose behavior. We encourage agencies such as the Municipality and the Alaska Department of Transportation, as well as individual property owners, to investigate landscaping alternatives to traditional lawns. The Service and the ADFG have produced a document called the Homeowner s Guide to Goose Solutions, available on both agencies web sites, to help with landscaping solutions. Participants in the egg collecting program will gather eggs on land owned by the Municipality of Anchorage, and on private land where owners have given their permission for the collections.