Town staff in Blackfalds are working with Wildlife Canada to figure out what to do about its Canada goose population.

Gaggles of up to 40 birds at a time have been spotted, with reports of aggressive behaviour and defecation on front lawns.

They're not just a nuisance. Mayor Richard Poole says it's a public safety concern as well when they block roads, forcing drivers to maneuver around them.

“On Broadway Avenue, if you’ve driven down there when the geese are there, you’re unable to get through them,” Poole said.

A letter to the town from Wildlife Canada says issues with geese numbers are growing across Canada.

It suggests a few possible solutions, such as collecting and destroying nests and eggs.

Also, altering habitats by leaving a three metre strip of taller vegetation around wetlands to discourage geese from using the area.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Coun. Marina Appel said she’s heard there are some people who actually like the geese, and feed them.

Whatever course of action the town chooses, Poole said he expects it will be amenable to all.

“As long as we’re doing it humanely and carefully and making sure that we’re not harming any of the geese, and we’re helping both the citizens of Blackfalds and the geese, I think there shouldn’t be any real feedback on that,” he said.