Geese are the newest traffic hazard in Winnipeg

The arrival of spring also marks the arrival of geese, and these geese can quickly become a traffic hazard.

If you've been driving along Kenaston Blvd or Lagimodiere Blvd recently, you've probably seen a number of geese nesting. Nesting alongside a major traffic route might seem strange, but there are some reasons for it.

"Those areas become open early in spring," says Jim Leafloor, a Water Fowl Biologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada. "So there is a lot of growing grass and that attracts them as well."

"Sometimes we see them cross into the middle boulevard to graze on the grass there," Leafloor says about geese crossing the road. "Sometimes they are picking up gravel alongside the road to use in their gizzard."

Luckily for drivers, geese are starting to nest right now which means they will be pairing off, and eventually some will leave the city to molt elsewhere.

"Keep your eyes open, watch for geese on the side of the road," Leafloor says, especially around Kenaston and Lagimodiere.

As to the question of chasing a goose or confronting a goose, Leafloor says "I don't know any good reason to do that and the birds are big enough that they can defend themselves."

"I wouldn't recommend it."