Animals - Frustration aboutNilganses at the bathing lake and on the sunbathing area
You are not shy and their droppings are simply disgusting: Nilgeese annoy bathing guests who want to relax in the summer holidays by the lake or swimming pool. For example, at the Langenau Waldsee: "There are large amounts of droppings on the lying areas and meadows", a city spokesperson in the Offenbach district reported upon request. This means an enormous additional effort in cleaning. Canada geese are also present at the Wißmarer See in the Gießen district. A special fence has reportedly reduced the problem, according to camping site manager Mike Will, by around 80%. This fence is placed in the water about 1.50 meters from the shore in the evenings when bathers are gone. This keeps the geese from coming to the shore to rest at night.
The beach and lying area still need to be cleaned, but the effort has significantly decreased. Previously, up to 200 geese were present at this beach, now there are only a few left, said Will.
No concerns regarding water quality
Regarding water quality, the presence of numerous water birds can increase bacterial contamination, said Winfried Staudt from the Hessian State Office for Nature Protection, Environment and Geology (HLNUG). The water of the Hessian bathing lakes is regularly tested and so far, there are no concerns. 57 of the Hessian bathing waters have excellent water quality according to the analysis, the remaining four were rated as "good". The water is tested for so-called indicator bacteria, which indicate possible faecal contamination.
It's important that the geese are not fed, warned Staudt. This attracts even more animals, such as rats. Unconsumed food also harms water quality.
The city of Darmstadt has also resorted to goose population control through hunting, where the geese also feel at home. The situation is being monitored, a spokeswoman said. Another hunting session is not excluded in the future. In Frankfurt, for example, the Main riverbank is a popular resting place for birds, besides Canada geese, there are also grey geese on the lying areas.
The washer bear reduces goose population
The city of Kassel reports a gradually increasing goose population. The distribution, for example, at the Buga-See, is still relatively low compared to other lakes in the Rhine-Main area. This is also due to the washer bear, which "intensively intervenes in the population", explained a city spokesperson. The health department in the regionally operated free bathing areas in Kassel also reports no problems with geese. In Kassel, the geese are also hunted.
Bernd Petri from the Nabu environmental association said that the number of Nilgeese will be on the level of the previous year in 2024. He estimated that the geese cannot be permanently driven away, regardless of the method used. Nilgeese and bathing guests have the same preferences: short mown lawns with good access to and a view of the water.
It's important not to feed the birds in any case, emphasized Petri: "The geese learn that there is food available and come back." One should also appeal to other people if one observes them feeding. There are currently no indications of special health risks from the birds.
- Despite the issue with geese at Frankfurt's Main riverbank, the area continues to serve as a popular resting spot for various birds, including Canada geese and grey geese.
- In Gießen District's Wißmarer See, Canada geese have been significantly reduced in number due to the installation of a special fence in the water, as reported by camping site manager Mike Will.
- The climate in Frankfurt is ideal for various bird species, contributing to its rich avian biodiversity.
- The Gießen district falls under the administrative division of Hesse, a state known for its numerous bathing lakes, some of which are affected by geese-related issues.
- Visitors to the Langenau Waldsee in Offenbach district have expressed annoyance due to the large amounts of droppings left by Canada geese, prompting increased cleaning efforts by the city.
- The presence of birds, such as geese, in lake and river environments can sometimes lead to concerns about bird waste contaminating the water, but regular water testing in Hessen has revealed no issues so far.
- Geese, including Nilgeese, have been a source of concern for many communities due to their droppings and potential impacts on the environment, but some measures, such as hunting and controlling food sources, have been implemented to manage their populations.
