Stapleton residents have long battled the infestation of the prairie dogs, and residents have taken different sides on the most humane solution to their overpopulation. Many residents want the rodents removed at all costs, where others feel that every animal is an important part of our ecosystem, and relocating them should be the only option considered. While that battle continues, a new battle may have emerged. Geese have taken over Stapleton’s Central Park.
“It’s really pretty crazy,” says resident Erin Ortner. “Sure, it’s cool, up until you want to go play at the park. Then you are just running around in goose poop for as far as you can see. It has to be a health hazard.” Amy Battenfield agrees. “They seem like fine birds,” says Battenfield. “But are we really going to put their safety and health ahead of our own and our children? We have to do something before all of Stapleton is covered in goose poop.”
Many residents feel that drastic measures should be taken immediately. “I think we should begin the poisoning,” says resident Jim Gates. “No waiting, no debate, just start poisoning the hell out of them.” Joel Johnson believes that there is a more humane way to rid Stapleton of its geese problem. “Close the park for a day, and allow me and a couple friends to use them as target practice. The ones we don’t hit will head back to Canada where they belong.”
Not all residents are enthusiastic about ridding Stapleton of the plentiful waterfowl. “The kids love seeing them,” says Laurianne Mason. “It seems like they are always here for a specific time, and not year round like the prairie dogs. Plus, I hate to categorize them with those disgusting prairie dogs.” Ornithologist Justin Bidler says that killing off the geese is not the right thing to do. “Geese represent no danger to people. Just let them be, and they eventually will fly away. I think it is ridiculous to even be considering doing anything. What kind of crazy, reactionary community is this?”
SUN and the MCA say that community members have been in contact with them, but there have been no plans on dealing with the situation. “Right now, we are just gathering information,” says SUN President Mike Victoria. “At this point it is just a wait and see.” MCA President Liza Kampstra had a similar offering. “It’s not open season on the geese quite yet. Understand that what is good for the prairie dog isn’t always good for the gander.”
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