Canada geese overrun Ottawa DND campus during annual invasion
Breeding season garners warning to avoid nesting areas, stand ground against aggressive waterfowl
It's become an annual invasion of sorts at the Department of National Defence headquarters in Ottawa's west end.
As breeding season is underway, Canada geese have taken over the grounds of the west-end campus on Carling Avenue and are testing employees' duck-and-cover skills.
Employees described the "volatile" situation to CBC's In Town and Out, with nests scattered across the grounds and on rooftops and "cobra chickens" at the ready to attack anyone who invades their space.
"They are highly protective. They become aggressive from the moment they start laying eggs," said Chris Sharp, a biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service.
He said the "cobra chicken" moniker stems from how the geese coil up on their nests and if disturbed, quickly stand up, spread their wings and hiss.
"[They're telling] you that you're too close," Sharp said. "And you better back off."
In an email sent to employees, the department gave some tips on how to handle an aggressive bird, including giving it some space, raising your arms to appear bigger, and backing away slowly.
While Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Convention Act, the act does allow nests to be moved if there is a significant threat to people.
People can apply for a permit to remove the eggs, which Sharp said is best done as soon as possible after they're laid. The permit will be issued with a specific person's name, whether it's the homeowner, a neighbour or a contractor.
Don't run away
Despite their territorial stance, Sharp said Canada geese also have some great attributes, as they're social creatures and devoted parents to their goslings.
"But if you cross them, you pay the price," he said.
Most of all, he said, if you find yourself a little too close to a beak, don't flee.
"Maintain eye contact. Give them space, as much space as you can. If they do come toward you aggressively, do not run. That is exactly what they want you to do," he said.
"If you stand your ground, more often than not, they will not attack you."
With files from CBC Radio's In Town and Out