This will scare off Canada geese

By Eric Heyl


A few teeth-baring, life-size coyote replicas almost certainly would improve matters. I know what you're thinking: Of course they would. What situation wouldn't be markedly better with the addition of some menacing models of snarling prairie wolves?

(I could cite one notable exception of a relative's wedding reception a few years ago, but why open old wounds?) Your point is well taken, but not everyone is as astute as regular readers of this space. If they were, we undoubtedly already would have witnessed the local introduction of faux three-dimensional coyotes to help ward off one of the region's most pressing problems: pesky Canada geese.
They seemingly are everywhere, not laying golden eggs but instead depositing handiwork of an entirely different hue. Consider: • Officials in Scott are employing a team of border collies to chase the geese from Scott Park, at a cost of nearly $2,000. • Westmoreland County this month is allowing hunters to thin the flocks at county parks and lakes. • In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture euthanized 272 of the birds, which paid the ultimate price for wearing out their welcome in North Park. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank patrons who have subsisted on the resulting 550 pounds of donated geese goulash for the past two months probably are craving a hamburger by now.

The geese are running amok. But the best efforts to contain these hygienically challenged beasts, which clearly revel in their regularity, hasn't prompted much of a droppings drop-off. So why not bring in the frightening, fake coyotes? They are the latest creations of a Chicago-based company called Bird-X, one of the nation's foremost bird-startling operations for the past 40 years. Retailing for $59, the three-dimensional, 37-inch-long, hostile-looking coyote is mounted on a small stake and changes positions in even a slight breeze. The new model is a clear upgrade from the company's flat, two-dimensional stationary coyote. So cute are these Lassie-like cutouts that probably only primal instinct and sheer willpower keep geese from approaching and gently patting them on the head with one of their wings.