Area welcomes back Canada Geese

Posted on May 22, 2016

*Illinois is utilizing the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to protect Canadian Geese and their nests from harm. (WJBC photo)*

By PJ Baron

NORMAL – With summer heralding the return of Canada Geese, McLean County is taking steps to ensure the safety of these foreign birds.

Following an incident where an unknown citizen poured vegetable oil on the eggs of a Canadian Goose, McLean County is reminding its citizens that Canada Geese and their nests are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

McLean County Director of Animal Control Marshell Thomson said harming the birds, their nests or their eggs is unlawful, as they do not stay solely in the United States.

“Other countries share these birds because they migrate, so they’re protected under Federal Regulatory Law, and that’s the reason why there’s such fringent laws on protecting them, so that we all take care of them in their travels,” said Thomson.

If anyone has questions about the specifics of the law, they can contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at (847) 608-3167.

PJ Baron can be reached at wjbc.com.

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