ABC27 WHTM Goose droppings raise stink at Millersville University

Goose droppings raise stink at Millersville University

Wildlife control experts plan to use laser beams to get rid of four dozen geese. The birds have created a ‘poo problem' at Millersville University.

"As of right now -- it's a poop invasion," said freshman Vanessa Rave.

You don't have to look hard to find goose droppings around the college's typically pristine pond.

A flocking fraternity of four dozen Canada Geese became the messiest party animals around campus. Dr. Ralph Anttonen, or ‘Doc Roc,' said his walk to class usually involves dancing around droppings.

"Every time I come this way and I have to go over this bridge over here -- you have to sort of avoid stepping in it, if you know what I mean," Anttonen said.

One goose can poop up to 25 times a day, creating two pounds of it. Take in consideration there's nearly 50 birds on campus.

Cleaning up about 100 pounds of poop daily has given head groundskeeper, Larry Aurand, headaches for months.

"We clean the sidewalks every day and at its height this summer, by the middle of the day they almost needed it again," said Aurand.

The bird droppings pose serious health threats too. Diseases can be tracked into dorms and classrooms -- not to mention that scat can be slippery.

"Every sidewalk that you possibly walk on by the ponds, [the poop is] everywhere," Rave said. "It's green and it dries white, but on the bottom of your shoes. It'll stay there for days."

True experts, S&S Wildlife Control out of Ono, were hired, according to University officials.

Using a series of laser beams, repellents, and decoys, these non-lethal methods hope to haze the geese so bad, they'll want to drop out and fly elsewhere.

Students and faculty agree that may be for the best.

"It'll be a lot easier to walk over [the bridge] without stepping in it," Anttonen said.