Danger! Bad Hersfeld warns of aggressive Egyptian geese at the ponds!

Danger! Bad Hersfeld warns of aggressive Egyptian geese at the ponds!

There are currently urgent warnings about aggressive Egyptian geese in Bad Hersfeld. At the Nordschulteichen, also known as the Leonhard Müller facility, there are warning signs that draw attention to the potentially dangerous behavior of the birds. The city administration points out that the Egyptian geese can react particularly skittishly during their breeding phase. “They can fluff up, flap their wings or even peck if they feel threatened,” explains press spokesman Meik Ebert. Walkers and cyclists are therefore asked to avoid confrontations and to move or drive quickly to avoid unpleasant situations.

The Egyptian goose has established itself in Bad Hersfeld and breeds until September. The animals feel at home in the region and are not always shy. According to Ebert, the aggressive behavior is species-appropriate behavior during their breeding season. Residents and visitors are urged to be aware of warnings and avoid the birds. This is especially true during the breeding season, where care is essential.

Egyptian goose on the rise

But the Egyptian goose is not only causing a stir in Bad Hersfeld. Their spread in Germany is increasing rapidly. According to a survey from 2023, 53% of hunting areas already report presence of Egyptian goose, compared to 38% in 2017. This neozone is overtaking the native gray goose, which is found in 51% of areas. The Egyptian goose has become particularly widespread in northwestern Germany, often in urban parks and large bodies of water. Their adaptability is evident not only in the breeding season, but also in their habitat, where they push other water birds out of their nests.

Despite their increase, the Egyptian goose is considered a pest by some. This issue is causing debate in many regions of the country. However, conservationists assess the ecological damage of the Egyptian goose to be low and argue that nationwide hunting, as called for by some hunters' associations, has little impact on the population. Nevertheless, the pressure on nature is reflected in the competitiveness of the Egyptian goose, which is increasingly displacing the greylag goose in hunting grounds.

Attitude of the city of Bad Hersfeld

The city of Bad Hersfeld has addressed the problem and warned clearly about the risks of encounters with the Egyptian geese. Mayor Anke Hofmann initiated information about the aggressive bird species and is available to answer any questions. For further information, interested citizens can contact Laura Hellwig on 06621 201-506.

The following applies to all nature lovers: If you encounter the Egyptian geese, keep your distance and respect their habitat. With the right caution you can not only avoid conflicts, but also enjoy the beauty of the local wildlife!