The Canada Goose
The Canada goose belongs to the Family: Anatidae Genus: Branta Species: B. Canadensis.- and is native to North America. There are 11 sub species of this particular goose. The Canada goose is the most familiar and widespread species of goose in North America.
The Canada goose is not restricted nor exclusive to any particular area within North America, and it can be found in all kinds of water across the whole continent and its range is from the warm waters of the Gulf Coast to the tundra.
The Canada goose breeds in Canada and the northern U.S. in a variety of natural habitats. The region of the Great Lakes supports a very large population of these geese. In the early 1900’s the Canada goose population had declined sharply through loss of habitat and shooting.
Since 1999, USDA Wildlife Services Agency has been actively engaged in lethal culls of Canadian geese – primarily those found in urban or densely populated areas. This goose has been deemed a pest by being intrusive and soiling areas with their fecal droppings.
The diet of the Canada goose is primarily grass and other green vegetation including aquatic plants. They also eat assorted grains like wheat and corn. The Canadian goose is a successful breeder and the female can lay between 4 - 8 eggs in a clutch. All geese are monogamous and once a mate is chosen they are together for life.
There are animals that predate on goose eggs and they include – red foxes, arctic foxes, the common raven, crows and bears as well as all large gulls.
Geese are very protective of their young goslings and it is not uncommon to see a line of goslings being led and followed by each adult. Geese can inflict nasty bites and lash out with their wings in defense, if they feel threatened.
In North America, non-migratory Canada geese populations have been on the increase. Once they are mature a Canada goose is rarely preyed upon, but, they can be taken by coyotes, gray wolves, red foxes, bald and golden eagles. The Canada goose has been known to interbreed with domesticated geese and the resultant offspring often resemble Canada gees in shape, but have a white or grey body – dark gray head and neck, an off white colored chin and pink feet.
Obviously, the conservation value of the Canada goose leaves a lot to be desired and hence they are classified as of “Least Concern.”
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