Aggressive geese harass visitors in Echo Park – NBC Los Angeles

Echo Park Lake, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, recently found itself in the midst of a challenge of the feathered variety.

The park has undergone significant changes over the years, from the removal of a large homeless encampment in 2021 to recent renovations that included fencing off construction sites. Biologist Travis Longcore, president of the Los Angeles Audubon Society, said these changes have inadvertently created ideal habitat for Canada geese.

“We now have a resident population that typically migrates,” Longcore said.

There are increasing complaints from concerned park visitors who feel that the park has been overrun by geese.

Some have reported incidents of harassing behavior and occasional aggression. According to Longcore, this behavior is not surprising since geese are known for protecting their territory.

“No one should ever underestimate how fast a goose can run or how defensive it is when its space is threatened,” he warned.

But while some park visitors have expressed concerns, others appear to have a more relaxed attitude about sharing their space with these feathered residents.

“In a city like Los Angeles, it’s really kind of an oasis to be able to surround yourself with natural things and natural beauty. So I enjoy watching them just exist,” said Charles Towle, sitting on a blanket on the grass.

For LA City Parks, balancing the needs and expectations of park visitors with the natural habitat of these birds is a delicate task. The agency is actively working with ecologists to find a solution that allows both park visitors and Canada geese to coexist peacefully.

Longcore suggests building a vegetation barrier around the lake to deter the geese from venturing too close to paths and lawns. This design, which has already been adopted by many other parks, is intended to make it more difficult for geese to access visitors.

As Echo Park continues to evolve and adapt, the park’s management strives to find a solution that ensures both the comfort and safety of visitors as well as the well-being of its feathered residents, ultimately keeping this urban oasis in harmony thrives with nature.