BEVERLY, Mass. — The beginning of fall is fast approaching, and with that comes something many New Englanders are very familiar with - the migration of Canada geese.
Every town and resident has their own way of dealing with it, some ignore the birds, others set up barriers to prevent them from landing. In Beverly, a contractor rounds up the birds with a net and euthanizes them.
In a letter emailed to Boston 25 News, Police Chief John LeLacheur and Animal Control Officer Matthew Lipinski explained why the program was put into place.
"Canada Geese pose a public health risk to humans. Large numbers of geese can leave large quantities of feces behind. One single goose can defecate approximately once every 20 minutes and up to 1.5 pounds per day.," the letter said.
To make matters worse, excrement from the birds can be extremely unhealthy.
"Goose fecal matter can contain various viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The potential exists that these can be transmitted to humans if contact is made with the fecal matter," the letter said.
The Salem News spoke with Beverly Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Doig about why this is done.
"It's become an increasingly larger problem over the last few years," Doig told the Salem News. "They're all places that are used by kids and older children."
Police say the contractor donates bi-products from the Canada geese that are euthanized to various organizations in need. Sources within the city tell Boston 25 News that goose meat is given to homeless shelters.
Boston 25 News reporter Drew Karedes spoke to residents who had mixed feelings about the city's decision. Watch his full report above and join the conversation on the Boston 25 News Facebook page.
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A park or field covered in bird droppings can be unhealthy for anyone visiting. With that in mind, the City of Beverly is trying to prevent that from happening.
Posted by Boston 25 News on Wednesday, August 30, 2017
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