Spring is the breeding season for geese. If they believe their eggs or goslings are threatened, the birds often become aggressive. Even if you don’t see a nest, there might be one nearby. A goose can strike to protect it if you get too close.
Many goose attacks on humans lead to minor or no injuries, but serious injuries may occur. Goose attacks have resulted in broken bones, emotional distress, and head trauma. When the individual tries to avoid an attacking goose and trips and falls, many of these injuries occur.
They lose their natural fear of humans if wild geese are fed by people and often build their nests close to humans. If humans get too close to the nest, the geese will then become aggressive. This is one of many reasons why feeding wild geese is not a good idea.
During the incubation period, the female remains in the nest with the eggs, and it is the work of the gander to protect them. He normally stays and stands guard nearby. The gander will often give a warning call and try to chase it away if a prospective predator gets too close. The gander can become aggressive if the intruder does not depart quickly.
Geese have outstanding vision and pay close attention to people and other animals’ eyes and body language that they see as potential threats.
Maintain eye contact and face your body directly towards the bird if a goose starts behaving aggressively towards you. Never close or squint your eyes, and since that will make the goose more likely to strike, do not turn your back or shoulders away.
Slowly back away and never in any way run, scream, kick, or act violently. If you do, the other bird will also attack you. If a goose flies in the direction of flight toward your face, duck or moves away from it at a 90-degree angle. At all times, continue to face the goose.
Note that geese behave aggressively because, just as humans and other animals do, their instincts compel them to defend their young. Serious injuries from goose attacks are rare, but it is safer during the breeding season to avoid geese as much as possible.
