Barnacle geese return to Espoo
As spring arrives to Espoo, so do barnacle geese. Barnacle geese nest in the coasts of Finland, and they are a known habitat in the parks and beaches of Espoo. During nesting season, the geese are at the seashores, but they move to park areas afterwards as parks offer suitable nourishment and living conditions.
The increasing barnacle geese population causes conflict. Notably their droppings disturb the recreational usage of parks, beaches and golf courses. The droppings are a hygiene risk, but do not pose a significant risk for disease. In addition to droppings, protective geese parents may attack bystanders if they come too close. When walking by a goose, it is wise to keep a distance.
Despite the disturbances caused by the geese, disturbing them without permission is prohibited. The barnacle goose is a species protected by the Nature Conservation Act. Therefore, disturbing or killing them without a special permit is forbidden. Especially during nesting season and in areas that are significant for their biological life cycle, disturbing the species is wrong. Any form of harassment, chasing, or deportation are prohibited in these circumstances. In Espoo, parks in the Tapiola area are significant for the geese’s biological life cycle.
Depending on the situation, deporting the geese may be possible. Before taking any action the Southwest Finland’s Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ETE/ELY-centre) should be contacted on the matter. A permit for deporting geese is not always necessary but the centre should still be contacted to ensure suitable action. For example, for hygiene reasons beach guards may guide geese away from the guarded beach.
Disturbing and harming barnacle geese is against the law. Such actions should be reported to the police if necessary.