Goose Patrol is patrolling Vaasa’s parks and beaches again

This year, the Goose Patrol comprises four dog-and-handler teams. Continuing in the patrol are ‘goose coordinator’ Lissu with her handler Jarmo Latvala, as well as Carina Timberg with her dog Zebb and Patrik Timberg with his dog Rex. As a new member, Roland Wahlsten joined the patrol with his German shepherd, Portello.

The group’s composition has changed slightly since last year, but the aim is to bring in one more dog-and-handler team as the patrolling season progresses.

Patrolling continues in familiar areas

The Goose Patrol operates in the same areas as last year. In addition to Onkilahti Park, the patrol areas include the beaches in Ahvensaari, Hietasaari, Kustaanlinna, Isolahti and Vikinga.

Patrolling follows the same practices that proved effective last year. The dog-and-handler teams agree on their patrol shifts in advance and use a shared communication channel to report on the movements of the geese. If necessary, patrolling will be stepped up quickly in areas where geese are present.

– Our aim is to check the situation daily with at least one dog-and-handler team. During the busiest times, the teams make their rounds in the morning, during the day and in the evening, says Jarmo Latvala.

Last summer’s results are encouraging

The Goose Patrol’s work produced good results last year. Based on the feedback received, both the number of geese and the frequency of sightings declined in the patrolled areas. In 2025, there were fewer geese than in the previous year.

This spring, patrolling and monitoring goose presence began in early April. So far, no large flocks of geese have been observed; sightings have involved individual birds or small groups.

– The main flocks of barnacle geese have not yet arrived, but migration will pick up as temperatures rise. Geese are usually most numerous in mid-summer and late summer, before the autumn migration, Latvala explains.

Goose Patrol helps keep parks and beaches enjoyable

The most common species found in the parks and on the beaches is the protected barnacle goose. Geese foul green spaces and beaches with their droppings, which reduces the enjoyability of these areas and may also affect bathing water quality.

With dogs, geese can be deterred in a controlled and calm manner. The dogs do not bark at or chase the geese; instead, they guide them to move away by approaching calmly.

Do not disturb the patrol teams

The Goose Patrol teams should be allowed to work undisturbed. The dog handlers are easy to recognise by their orange high-visibility vests. If you come across Goose Patrol teams while walking your own dog, please keep a safe distance. Please remember that using your own dogs to deter geese is not allowed.

The Goose Patrol’s activities will continue well into the autumn, until the barnacle geese leave the area as part of their autumn migration.