There is a stretch of the trail I commute on that is a gathering place for Canada geese. It's become an obstacle course of nasty goose feces about two hundred yards long.

This morning, I saw the reason why the honkers are congregating in the area. A woman was dumping about two pounds of feed on the ground just next to the trail. She's retirement age, and probably gets a kick out of having dozens-to-hundreds of geese milling around her.

I rode on, but had an urge to stop and question her motives, and explain to her that she's creating an unsanitary condition and health hazard to other people who use the trail.

Also, this being California, shouldn't she be concerned that she's 'upsetting the ecological balance' of the area? This is a lake and river area with no hunting, there is more than enough food available to support lots of geese anyway.

I wonder if I should contact the state or whoever manages the trail, and request a "Please don't feed the geese" or some such sign.

(caloso and any other forum members from the area, this is just on the lake side of Natomas Dam approaching the Hazel Ave. bridge)

Hypnotize her to dump all that feed on her car.

Them are some long damn turds!

Actually in a lot of cities, there are ordinances against feeding geese. You should call animal control and see if your locale has one. If yes, then report her.

Our geese here have been known to chase people using the MUP.

I have received an email reply from a state parks superintendent.... the goose feeder will now feel the wrath and fury of the State of California.... mwaaa aaaa aaaaa......

And yes, the geese are getting protective of their little feeding ground. It was ugly forcing my way through a couple hundred of them this morning.

Know someone with a border collie? Have them take the dog to that area and after a few times, the geese will find somwhere else to congregate.

Know the problem well: we live on a small lake. Even without feeding them & despite my two dogs best efforts, we have quite a poop problem. It is especially bad in the Winter since the dogs can't get out to the dock without swimming 50 ft or so. Goose population grew over 10 years from a dozen up to 96. Then 2 Summers ago, the County trapped & gassed at lakes around the area. We are back to 15 or so, the local food missions served goose & the situation is much improved. Lately, a couple eagles in the area help keep the population in balance.

I feel for you living up there where it rains all year. Now that summer has scorched its way into NorCal, the poop is usually dry by afternoon commute.