Park officials in Stevens Point, Wisconsin are taking an unusual approach to tackle the problems that geese are causing.
WSAW reports that the geese have become so numerous at Pfiffner Pioneer Park that their excessive droppings are deterring local residents from enjoying the park’s amenities. The geese especially like to congregate in a band shell area where people generally sit on the ground while concerts are performed.
One local resident who likes to fish in the park told WSAW that the geese hiss at passerby.
That’s when park officials decided to implement a creative, cost-effective solution.
Cardboard dogs.
The black cardboard cutouts, complete with dog tags, swivel in the wind to mimic the movement of a real dog and deter the fowl away from the area.
The low-tech goose deterrents only cost about $25 each, according to WFXS.
The city has installed three cardboard dogs so far on park grounds.
Early signs show that the cardboard dogs are working.
Unfortunately, two of the three dog cutouts were stolen, so park officials plan on making more of their own soon as part of their goose patrol duties.
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