Canada geese and goslings feeding on grass.

Geese Are Back: Respecting Wildlife on Campus

March 24, 2025 —

As spring returns to Manitoba, so do the geese! Over the next few weeks, more geese will be settling in around campus. Many have already been spotted, marking the beginning of another season of cohabitation between humans and these iconic birds.

To prepare, Physical Plant implements measures to ensure a safe and respectful environment for both people and geese at the Fort Garry campus. Operations and Maintenance will be covering planters to deter nesting in areas with high human traffic; geese that nest on rooftops will be provided access ramps for their goslings upon hatching. As the geese begin to nest, signs will be posted in nesting areas to warn people of their presence. Learn more about the UM Wildlife Management Plan.

Sharing Campus Respectfully

Geese thrive in urban environments due to access to water, food, nesting sites, and protection from predators. While they are fascinating to observe, they can also be territorial and defensive—especially during nesting season. However, these geese are accustomed to campus life. They navigate our human activities daily, coexisting with cars, traffic, and pedestrians. They acknowledge our presence and respect our space. It’s essential that we do the same in return, recognizing that they are as much a part of the campus as the buildings we use.

Canada geese contribute to our university experience, and we should take pride in maintaining an environment that supports them. To ensure a safe and harmonious coexistence:

Observe geese from a distance and avoid approaching their nests.
Be mindful of posted signs and avoid areas with active nests.
If a goose hisses, flaps its wings, or moves toward you, calmly back away to give it space.
Do not take selfies with geese.
Do not throw objects at or antagonize them.
Do not feed them.
Drive cautiously, being prepared for geese to cross a road.

Avian Flu Awareness: Ways to Protect Yourself

As we welcome the geese back to campus, it’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with avian flu. This virus has been affecting wild birds across North America, including waterfowl like geese. To protect both yourself and wildlife:

If a bird looks like it needs help, don’t approach or touch it. Sick or injured birds may carry avian flu, which can spread to humans and other animals.
Avoid contact with bird droppings and wash your hands thoroughly if you encounter areas frequented by birds.
Pet owners should keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from interacting with birds or bird droppings.

If you witness anyone engaging in harmful behavior toward the geese, please report it to Campus Security. For concerns about wildlife on campus, contact the Physical Plant Customer Service Desk at ppwod@umanitoba.ca.

By respecting the geese and staying informed about avian flu, we can ensure a safe and welcoming environment for both wildlife and the campus community.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHSO) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

campus, campus safety, community, Geese, Gosling, Nest, safety, Wildlife

Spring Into Safety: A Fresh Start for a Safe and Compliant Space

Spring cleaning serves as a reminder that a clean and organized lab leads to a safe lab, however, lab safety isn’t a once-a-year task but a continuous effort. Regularly reviewing storage practices, ensuring PPE availability, and keeping workspaces organized contributes to a safer and more organized research and learning environment. By making safety a priority, we foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, benefiting all who work and learn in our laboratories. Let’s work together to keep our labs safe, clean, and well-maintained throughout the year!

Using personal mobility devices on campus

Recreational personal mobility devices (PMDs), such as bicycles and e-scooters, contribute to the University of Manitoba's Climate Action Plan. However, for safety reasons, these devices are not allowed inside university buildings or at entrances. PMDs should be stored securely, avoiding obstruction of common areas. Designated bike and e-bike parking spaces are available, though charging infrastructure is not provided. If a PMD is necessary for research or learning, a risk assessment must be conducted. Employees and students requiring accommodations should contact the appropriate university services.