11-05-2025
Michigan DNR halts program to euthanize Canada geese
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan lawmakers recently passed a controversial proposal to lethally gas Canada geese. However, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it's now changing course.
The pilot proposal passed by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission last October allowed for the roundup and lethal gassing of Canada geese during summer months when they're flightless, as a way to reduce overpopulation and conflict.
Under the program, landowners are able to seek a permit to have geese on their property captured and humanely euthanized, but only after they have attempted a number of control methods, including nest and egg destruction, according to the state department.
Michigan lawmakers expressed concerns about the program in a letter penned to the Natural Resources Commission in late April, prompting a response from Michigan DNR director M. Scott response comes a week before the May 16 deadline to apply for permits for the program.
'The department planned to continue to research alternative options for managing human-goose conflicts and health and safety concerns for areas with overabundant Canada goose populations. We will also continue to encourage non-lethal techniques for landowners to deal with problem geese, including eliminating feeding, using scare tactics and destroying nests'
Michigan DNR director M. Scott Bowen's letter says in part
The DNR says on its website that it encourages tolerance and coexistence with Canada geese, stating that there are numerous non-lethal techniques available, and that capture and euthanasia should only be considered as a last resort.
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