Residents of Emmen are increasingly experiencing geese at various ponds, especially around the Rietplas. This mainly concerns pollution caused by goose droppings. The birds also sometimes have an aggressive attitude towards visitors to the parks and ponds.
That is why the municipality is taking measures to limit the growth of the goose population. An expert is called in to locate the geese’s nests, inspect them and treat the eggs.
Not all eggs are treated: some are left behind to prevent the geese from starting nesting again. In this way, the municipality wants to keep the number of geese under control in an animal-friendly way.
Why was it not decided to simply shoot the geese? “Shooting geese is not permitted in urban areas,” a municipal spokesperson said when asked.
The measures apply at several locations in Emmen, including the Kleine and Grote Rietplas, ponds in Rietlanden, Parc Sandur, Emmermeer, Emmerhout, Angelslo, Bargeres, Schoonebeek, Klazienaveen and Nieuw-Amsterdam.
Councilor Albert-Jan Jakobs (Wakker Emmen) emphasizes that the goal is to keep the living environment pleasant and safe for residents. At the same time, animal welfare is taken into account. “We take measures that reduce the nuisance, but where the geese are treated responsibly,” says Jakobs.
The municipality also asks residents to contribute to reducing nuisance themselves. Feeding geese ensures that more and more birds come, which increases the problems. In addition, goose nests may be located on private property; in that case, the expert will contact the owner via a letter in the mailbox.
The municipality is also taking extra measures at the Grote and Kleine Rietplas to maintain water quality. The beaches are cleaned more often and the sand is regularly loosened, including the geese’s droppings. The municipality hopes that these places remain attractive and safe for all visitors.
