The Okanagan Valley Goose Management Program has begun its annual egg-addling program. The program is described as an important and humane population management initiative aimed at controlling introduced, non-migratory Canada goose populations throughout the region.
The program said non-migratory Canada geese in the Okanagan Valley are overpopulated, contributing to increased risks of water contamination in local water sources and broader environmental degradation. It said egg addling is a proven, science-based method used to limit population growth while ensuring the health and welfare of adult birds.
Egg addling involves either gently shaking eggs or coating them with non-toxic, biodegradable, food-grade corn oil within the first 14 days of incubation to prevent embryo development. Treated eggs are returned to the nest, where the geese continue incubating until the eggs fail to hatch — typically too late in the season to renest. The program said the method is widely supported by animal welfare organizations and does not harm adult geese or disrupt their natural annual life cycle.
“The geese affected by this program are descendants of various subspecies of Canada geese that were introduced to the region during managed programs in the 1960s and 1970s,” said Kate Hagmeier, program co-ordinator. “Canada geese would not naturally nest in this region, so the addling program only affects introduced populations.”
The program said locating and accessing nests early in the nesting season is key to its success. The public is encouraged to report sightings of lone geese, pairs of geese or nest locations on both private and public land. Reports can be made by emailing coordinator@okanagangooseplan.com or calling 1-877-943-3209. Those reporting are asked to keep a safe distance from nests and never touch eggs.
Over nearly two decades, the program has addled more than 25,000 eggs from more than 5,000 nests across the region.
The program is a partnership among numerous local governments and organizations, including municipalities, regional districts and Westbank First Nation.
The egg-addling program will continue until mid-May.
