Don’t panic if a goose hisses at you
It’s understandable to feel anxious or startled if you hear a goose hiss in your direction. Geese can be quite intimidating with their loud hissing and aggressive posturing. However, it’s important to stay calm in these situations. Panicking or making sudden movements will only aggravate the goose further. Take a deep breath and assess the situation. In most cases, the goose is just being territorial and warning you to keep your distance. As long as you don’t approach or threaten their nest or goslings, they are unlikely to attack. Give the goose some space and walk slowly away. Avoid direct eye contact and do not turn your back or run away. The key is to remain calm and non-threatening. The goose will likely lose interest once you are out of their territory.
Watch for warning signs that a goose may hiss
Geese are very protective animals and will exhibit certain behaviors to warn you away before resorting to hissing. Be observant so you can steer clear of an agitated goose. Signs to watch for include:
– Hissing or honking
– Lowering head and stretching out neck
– Ruffling feathers
– Rapidly flapping wings
– Charging or chasing
– Nipping at ankles or clothing
If you notice any of these behaviors, give the goose a wide berth. Do not approach or antagonize them. Leave slowly and carefully without making any sudden movements.
Don’t get too close to a goose’s nest or goslings
One of the main reasons geese will hiss and become aggressive is to defend their nest or babies. Mother geese (and sometimes fathers too) will vigorously guard their nest and goslings from any perceived threat. Avoid getting too close to goose nests, especially in springtime when geese are breeding and nesting. Mother geese may chase, nip or hiss at any animal or person that ventures too close to their young. If you accidentally get too close to a nest or baby geese, slowly back away to give them space. Do not turn your back or run, as this can provoke an attack. Carefully move away while facing the geese until you are at a safe distance.
Know when to seek help
In the vast majority of cases, simply moving away from the goose will resolve the situation safely. However, on rare occasions, a goose may persist and become truly aggressive. If a goose attacks you with excessive chasing, biting, wingslapping or other dangerous behavior that prevents your escape, then it’s time to call for help. Seek assistance from animal control, park authorities or anyone else who can safely intervene. Do not attempt to fend off an attacking goose yourself, as their serrated beaks can inflict injury. In the meantime, use bags, umbrellas or jackets to shield yourself if necessary. Continue moving away as best as you can. Dealing with an aggressively defensive goose is extremely rare, but knowing when to get help is important.
Use deterrents if necessary
For situations where geese are being chronically aggressive in public areas, deterrents may be warranted. Several humane goose deterrents exist to discourage problem behaviors or drive geese away from inappropriate locations. Examples include:
– Predator decoys (fake coyotes, alligators, etc)
– Reflective tapes
– Water sprayers
– Dogs or swans to scare geese away
– Fences around ponds
– Unpalatable sprays on grass
Check local regulations regarding goose deterrents, as many methods require appropriate permits. Deterrents should only be used sparingly and as a last resort in dealing with aggressive geese. Harassing or harming geese is illegal. Focus first on public education and creating an environment where geese feel less threatened.
Teach children proper goose etiquette
Make sure children understand how to safely interact with geese they encounter. Teach them:
– Not to approach, chase or touch geese
– Not to feed geese, which encourages unwanted behavior
– To be calm and quiet around geese
– To tell an adult if a goose seems angry or aggressive
– To back away slowly if a goose hisses
– To never turn their back on an aggressive goose
– To leave geese alone if goslings are present
Following these tips can help prevent frightening encounters between children and defensive geese during outdoor activities. Always supervise young children around geese.
Avoid areas with problem goose behavior
If certain areas have recurring issues with aggressive geese, exercise caution and avoid the location if possible. Swimming areas, parks, golf courses and walking trails with known problematic geese may be best avoided during nesting season when geese are extra territorial. Of course, avoidance isn’t always feasible. In shared public spaces used by both people and geese, it’s especially important to be aware and respectful. Give angry geese adequate space.
Conclusion
Don’t worry too much if a goose hisses at you. With proper precautions, aggressive encounters are usually preventable. Stay calm, back away slowly, and give territorial geese adequate space. Avoid nests and goslings. Use deterrents cautiously if needed, and teach children appropriate goose etiquette. Remain vigilant of warning signs so you can steer clear of upset geese well in advance. By understanding their body language and not provoking them, we can peacefully coexist with these iconic birds. With the right knowledge, getting hissed at doesn’t have to ruin your day at the park!
Summary table of what to do if a goose hisses at you
Situation | Response |
---|---|
Goose hisses at you | Stay calm, don’t make sudden movements, back away slowly |
Goose exhibits warning signs (hissing, ruffled feathers, etc) | Give the goose space, don’t approach or antagonize them |
You get too close to a nest or goslings | Slowly back away from the nest/goslings until at a safe distance |
Goose attacks and persists | Seek help from authorities, use shields to protect yourself |
Problem goose behavior in an area | Use humane deterrents cautiously if permitted |
Children near aggressive geese | Teach proper etiquette, supervise closely |
Locations with recurring goose issues | Exercise caution and avoid if possible |