Bend, Oregon, is once again debating the use of egg oiling to control its Canada goose population. Each year, the Bend Park and Recreation District locates Canada goose nests and coats the eggs in corn oil, preventing them from hatching. The district claims this method is a humane, non-lethal way to manage the growing goose population, which can damage turf, erode riverbanks, and leave behind large amounts of waste in popular parks.
History of the Program
The program has been in place for several years, but it has recently sparked controversy among community members. Some argue that the method is not truly humane, while others see it as a necessary measure to maintain the city’s parks and environment.
The debate is not new, as a 2010 goose culling led to a major shift in how Bend manages its flocks. Now, the city is once again discussing the best approach to balancing public health, environmental impacts, and animal welfare.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
