Canada

Geese Police to Start Patrol on National Mall

Don't be alarmed if you see uniformed border collies chasing geese on the National Mall -- they're just doing their job. 

Dressed in bright yellow vests labeled "Working Dog" and "Geese Police of D.C.," the dogs will be out three to four times a day to disperse the Canada geese that frequent the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool and other spots on the National Mall.

NPS officials say large flocks of geese leave excessive droppings. One goose can leave behind two to three pounds of feces per day. Park officials say the goose droppings can damage pipes and filters in the reflecting pool and create a public health hazard.

Geese Police founder David Marcks says border collies have a natural instinct to round up flocks of geese. It will take the dogs several weeks to break the birds of their habit. 

"A problem that has been a problem for 8, 9, 10 years usually takes us 6 to 8 weeks to get a handle on," Marcks said. 

And like most police pursuits, this is serious business for the "Geese Police." Marcks says people on the National Mall will not distract his dogs. 

"The only thing he or she cares about is working," Marcks explained. 

Marcks says no birds would be harmed; they will simply find someplace else to go. 

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