New Jersey community divided over flock of geese

WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A community in Washington Township, New Jersey is divided over how to handle a flock of geese.

Some residents say they are causing traffic headaches, while others welcome the friendly fowl.

The problem is illustrated at the Meadows of Washington Township condominium complex. It doesn't take long before you realize there are a lot of geese here.

A condition that resident Barbara Spector fully acknowledges.

"We have a habitat that attracts the geese and I think we should learn to exist with them," said Spector.

Spector says she is frustrated by the fact that nonlethal efforts to reduce the number of geese have not been given enough of a chance.

She is also upset that property managers have already received a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service allowing them to euthanize up to 450 Canada geese.

Spector says that's an outrage.

"I recognize that it's been a problem in New Jersey, with overpopulation of geese, but they have a right to be here too," she said. "I think it's extremely cruel."

But many of Spector's neighbors disagree... saying this has become a real quality-of-life issue.

"We have to, sometimes, walk around or walk through geese poop and my dogs are eating it and kids play out here too," said Janie Zinobile.

"My little dog and I were attacked a few weeks ago because there was a nest we did not see. The male goose protecting the next and it came up behind us, flapping its wings, screeching," said Fern McDonough.

This issue first came to a head last year.

Property managers, along with the condo association, were planning to euthanize a percentage of the goose population, until Spector and other animal activist protested.

The plan was shelved.

Spector says her goal now is to keep the property managers from using their new permit until she can convince them that killing the geese will not solve the problem.

"They will keep coming back, that's been proven in other townships. It's a void that other geese will come and fill," she said.

Officials said the non-lethal measures are still being used, and they only plan to kill the birds as a last resort.

Those officials add the contract to use lethal measures against the birds has not been given to anyone at this time.