NORTH BRUNSWICK – After failed attempts at using a GooseBuster, a silhouette of a border collie, a floating alligator head, services of the Geese Police and a laser light, officials in North Brunswick have decided addling geese eggs near Boyd Pond is necessary.
Egg addling involves temporarily removing fertilized eggs from the nest, terminating embryo development, and placing the egg back in the nest. An animal control officer will use a special oil on the outside of the eggs as to not harm the geese or anyone in the neighborhood, according to Lou Ann Benson, director of the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services.
“That would not harm, in anyway, the existing geese but it would help to control the population in that area,” she said during a council meeting on Jan. 28.
The process takes place from the end of February to June, with the peak period being March and April. Benson said the animal control office should begin sometime soon.
Council members questioned the efficiency of such a program, especially since there are other locations in town with a high goose population. There can be dozens of geese seen at a time at ponds and lakes.
“You can addle the one place and then have seven other places – you’re not going to do anything,” Councilman Bob Davis said.
However, since there have been numerous failed attempts near Boyd Pond, Benson said this was a necessary next step. She also said other neighborhoods with concerns can contact her department.