City of Mishawaka Initiates Goose Relocation Effort After Exhausting Deterrent Measures

CITY OF MISHAWAKA

MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Mishawaka Initiates Goose Relocation Effort After Exhausting Deterrent Measures

Media Contact: Matt Lentsch, Executive Director of Development & Governmental Affairs; City of Mishawaka
Email: matthew.lentsch@mishawaka.in.gov; Phone: (574) 258-1635

Mishawaka, IN – 6/27/2025
After years of sustained effort and tens of thousands of dollars invested each year in non-lethal deterrent methods, the City of Mishawaka is taking the next necessary, non-lethal step to manage the overpopulation of Canadian geese as well as the damage they are doing in our parks and public spaces.

The City has officially secured a permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and is partnering with a DNR-approved wildlife management vendor to humanely relocate Canadian geese to suitable, approved habitats. This action follows extensive efforts to mitigate the growing goose problem, which has resulted in property damage, aggressive behavior toward residents, and serious public health concerns due to feces and unsanitary conditions in some of our most cherished community areas.

Mishawaka has deployed a wide array of state-recommended deterrents, including:

• Bird-X ultrasound speaker systems
• Coyote decoys
• Green lasers and handheld deterrents
• Remote-controlled cars and boats
• Screamers and blank cartridge noise devices
• Two-foot fencing barriers
• Backpack blowers
• K-nine geese repelling efforts
• True Flight grass spray
• Professional habitat modification consulting, etc.

Despite these efforts, results have been limited and temporary at best. With the goose population continuing to grow and community impact intensifying, City leadership has made the necessary decision to proceed with goose relocation as the most responsible, humane and science-based solution.

This humane initiative, backed by DNR biologists and grounded in environmental and wildlife studies, is designed to protect the health of our residents, preserve the integrity of our public parks as well as private property, and ensure the long-term wellbeing of both our human and animal populations.

The City of Mishawaka remains committed to balancing compassionate wildlife management with public safety and quality of life. We appreciate the patience and support of our residents as we continue to implement thoughtful solutions—the Mishawaka Way.