Superior council approves policy permitting police to remove nuisance geese after lengthy debate

After an extended debate, the Superior Common Council approved a parks department recommendation permitting the police department and their designees to shoot nuisance geese, waterfowl and pigeons on private property with the property owner’s permission and to use alternative methods on public property when firearms would be unsafe.

Parks Director Cadotte and Chief Alexander discussed alternatives including regulated hunting during the season, egg oiling, roundups and other population control measures. Councilors pressed staff for data on population estimates and prior culling efforts; Director Cadotte acknowledged the city lacks a precise in‑city population estimate and said she planned to request data from the Department of Natural Resources. Councilor Sweeney referenced prior culls at the municipal golf course and asked how the city disposes of the birds; Cadotte said the disposed birds have been handled appropriately and that some meat was distributed when feasible, otherwise they are taken to landfill.

Several councilors expressed discomfort with a policy that allows police to participate in lethal control; one councilor described the approach as “nauseating,” while others argued hunting and removal are part of a multi‑pronged management plan and should be assessed by the parks commission. Staff said additional options and an overall management plan will be returned to the parks commission and then to council for further decisions. The policy language enabling police action passed by voice vote.