Hunter is only effective predator for geese

The Canada goose lives 10-24 years. Adults are monogamous. They hatch two to nine goslings a year. When the goslings are one year old, they fly back to their birthplace. Relocating isn’t realistic. Like the salmon, these geese know where they were hatched. As long as their hearts beat and their lungs work, they will be back. It isn’t difficult to see the City Beach of the future.

There are many natural predators for the eggs and babies but predators are rare for the adults. Only one is effective — a human with a shotgun. I’m not advocating for this but it has been discussed many times over the years.

It has gone something like this: Draw for a limited number of permits. Close the beach off for a specified number of days when “the shoot” can take place. All geese killed would be dressed and given to the food bank or one of the many community meals.

Of course, guests at the nearby motel and condos would have to be verifiably pre-warned so there wouldn’t be any lawsuits for disturbing the peace or cruelty to wildlife.

Otherwise, humans will have to live with the goose poop.

HELEN NEWTON

Sandpoint