- Crop damage: Geese can cause significant damage to crops by grazing, trampling, and defecating. This damage can result in lost revenue for farmers. For example, in the United States, geese are estimated to cause over $1 billion in crop damage each year.
- Disease transmission: Geese can also transmit diseases to livestock and poultry, such as avian influenza and salmonella. These diseases can cause health problems and even death in animals, leading to further economic losses for farmers.
Aviation
- Bird strikes: Geese can pose a hazard to aircraft by colliding with them during takeoff and landing. These bird strikes can cause damage to aircraft, injuries to passengers and crew, and even fatalities. In the United States, there have been over 1,000 bird strikes involving geese since 1990, resulting in over $200 million in damages.
Human Health
- Feces: Geese produce a lot of feces, which can contaminate water supplies and make areas unpleasant for people to use. This can also attract pests, such as rats and mice, which can further contribute to health problems.
- Attacks: Geese can also be aggressive towards humans, particularly during nesting season. These attacks can cause injuries and even death in some cases.
Environmental Impact
- Habitat destruction: Geese can damage native vegetation by grazing and trampling. This can disturb ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
- Waterfowl disease transmission: Geese can transmit diseases to other waterfowl, such as avian influenza and West Nile virus. These diseases can have a devastating impact on waterfowl populations, leading to population declines and even local extinctions.