Canada and greylag geese have expanded dramatically in the UK, leading to management conflicts with welfare implications for a species with strong social bonds.
Geese experience significant stress from human disturbance and nest management. Egg oiling causes embryo death after several days of development. Shooting during the moult when geese cannot fly is less demanding than autumn shooting but still causes suffering in wounded birds. Family group disruption after culling causes distress. Non-lethal management including habitat modification can reduce conflict without welfare cost.