This expression certainly applies to what
is happening to the number of Snow Geese. Most people enjoy watching and
listening as waves of geese pass overhead in the fall and spring. Often,
when we enjoy wildlife, we wish there would be more. However, Nature doesn't
always work this way and too many of anything can cause difficulties.
The population of Snow Geese has increased at a very rapid rate and the number of geese is beginning to create a serious problem. Snow Geese migrate to the Arctic to nest during the summer. So many geese are now present they are destroying the plants they feed on. It the situation continues, they will "eat themselves out of their home" and starve.
The basic question is what should be done. Some people believe we should allow Nature to take it's course and others feel we should play a more active role. If we attempt to "manage" this problem, the question is what action or actions should be taken?
There are many opinions on what should be done about the Snow Geese. Solutions seem to have advantages and disadvantages.
Write a persuasive analysis of the Snow Goose problem. Provide a clear explanation of what has gone wrong, propose a solution, and defend this solution based on the factors you have identified to be responsible for the problem.
If you like, submit your analysis (Mail to Mark Grabe) and we will "publish" your proposal as part of NDWild.
North Dakota Outdoors 1: General introduction. Ideas about why population has increased. Description of problems created in the Arctic.
North Dakota Outdoors 2: Some ideas that have been tried to control goose numbers. Some other ideas that might be tried.
North Dakota Outdoors 3: More information on ways humans might attempt to control goose population.
North Dakota Outdoors 4: Data on changing hunting rules in North Dakota as a way to control the Snow Goose population.
Texas Parks and Recreation description of the Snow Goose problem.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/heading_south/snowmap.htm
http://observe.ivv.nasa.gov/nasa/education/exhibits/march/march_1.html
http://ngp.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/snowhist.html
http://www.ducks.org/html/toomanygeese.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/heading_south/home.htm
http://www.pbs.org/audubon/wildwings/snowgoose.html