City of Portsmouth NH DPW Parks & Greenery Department program to control Canada Geese in place

New families of geese and the greater seasonal public use of the parks have attracted attention to this long-standing problem.

Past control efforts that were successful only temporarily have included small scale, directed fireworks, dogs to chase the geese, and shooting blanks from a blanks pistol. The City continues to investigate methods and resources that might prove effective in scaring off the geese without unintended consequences.

A recent pilot program which installed fencing along the water access in Prescott Park is showing positive results.

The City is very aware of the problem and the damage incurred by the geese, especially to the gardens in Prescott Park. As Corin Hallowell, City Parks and Greenery foreman explains, “We are inundated with Canada Geese, especially in the three City park locations. The geese look for large open grassy areas to feed which results in a large amount of waste that is left behind and is both unhealthy and difficult to clean. The problem is they are finding a welcoming environment and will keep coming back until we find a solution that encourages them to go elsewhere.”