Thanks to the Parksville city council for the past Canada goose cull and, hopefully, future culls as required.
I have not seen or heard one solid argument why a cull is not a good long-term tool for minimizing the harm caused by too many Canada geese. Canada geese are a problem around the world, from Europe to New Zealand. They destroy estuaries and waterways and pollute our drinking and recreational water. E-coli outbreaks from feces on beaches and parks are a constant problem.
One should try to remember that we do not live, and have never lived, in Disneyland. With minimal predation the goose population can, and will, get out of control in a very short period.
And they do live a long time. I know a family that has had a pair since they were hatched in 1993. I saw them this summer and they are as cranky as ever. The daughter became the mother goose to them when they imprinted on her, and the duo followed her everywhere. Today she is managing a resort in Colorado as an adult, and her pair of geese are 24 years old and staying with their grandparents.
Bob Tritschler
Parksville