Frequently asked questions - Canada geese

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are the Canada geese a protected species?
• Why are the geese so aggressive?
• When is their mating season?
• Where would I get a licence from?

Are the Canada geese a protected species?

The geese are a protected species. They are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This Act makes it an offence to kill, injure, damage or remove their nests without a licence.

Why are the geese so aggressive?

The geese are generally aggressive during nesting periods. They often complete with other wild fowl for sources of food and breeding sites.

When is their mating season?

They start breeding from two to three years old. They can lay three to eleven eggs in the early spring which will hatch after 30 days.

Where would I get a licence from?

Licences may be granted by your nearest Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).