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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester’s ongoing battle with its resident geese population is expected to add a new chapter next year.

Kim David/Townsquare Media
Kim David/Townsquare Media
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The city Park Board has approved what’s formally called an “egg addling” plan that is scheduled to begin next spring.

The effort will be carried out by volunteers led by Laura Settles. The Rochester resident reached out to the Park Dept and offered to lead the group of volunteers. She says the program is expected to begin in March and continue through May or June, when geese normally stop laying eggs.

The Park Bd. was told by staff that “2020 was a fairly mild year in terms of the growth of Rochester's resident geese population. There will continue to be conflicts between humans and geese in the park system if the population of resident geese is not controlled. Egg addling is supported by PETA and The Humane Society.”

The program will be carried out in two parks next year, Silver Lake and Cascade Lake. If enough volunteers can be rounded up, the program may be expanded to Soldiers Field and Foster-Arend parks.

What is egg addling?

According to Wikipedia:
Goose egg addling is a wildlife management method of population control for Canada geese and other bird species. The process of addling involves temporarily removing fertilized eggs from the nest, testing for embryo development, terminating embryo development, and placing the egg back in the nest. Returning the egg to the nest misleads the goose into believing the egg is still developing. Otherwise, the goose would begin laying again.
In order to work effectively, addling must be conducted in a manner that does not arouse the suspicion of the goose, and must not change the odor, appearance or texture of the egg.

Quiz: How many of these spots in Southeast Minnesota can you name?

 

 

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