Ontario university had to issue a security alert over 'territorial' goose
Geese often get a bad rap for being silly, but one goose in Ontario seems to be taking academics very seriously after being caught nesting at a university campus.
Following a "very Canadian security alert at work," author and professor Ryan Katz-Rosene shared an email from the University of Ottawa on his X account, warning staff about a particularly aggressive goose nesting on campus.
"Please be advised that a Canada goose has recently nested between the FSS and Monpetit halls, and is currently protecting eggs," the email reads. "During this period, geese can become territorial and may react aggressively if approached closely."
Very Canadian security alert at work... (This is no joke - my colleague was attacked yesterday!) pic.twitter.com/vMT0mAMp7V
— Prof. Ryan Katz-Rosene (@ryankatzrosene) May 12, 2026
The university advised faculty to keep their distance and use caution while walking through the area, adding that people should not approach or feed the bird. Which, for anyone familiar with Canada geese, is probably solid life advice in general.
Attached to the screenshot of the warning is an Instagram clip of the alleged goose in question, pacing back and forth menacingly on campus.
While geese are a common sight across the province every spring, nesting season tends to bring out their more defensive side. And, believe it or not, these birds have become fixtures on university campuses.
Back in March, a goose caused a flap at Wilfrid Laurier University after a student posted a TikTok showing a bird wandering around the campus Starbucks.
In April 2025, several Wilfrid Laurier University students told the media they were trapped inside for days after a pair of geese nested on their front lawn.
In Waterloo, Ont., goose drama has intensified over the years; so much so that one University of Waterloo student had to create an interactive map — aptly called "Waddleloo" — to help classmates avoid encounters with aggressive geese on campus.
As much as they can peck our nerves, universities can't simply shoo these birds away whenever they become a problem.
Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, schools cannot kill, harass or destroy geese or their nests. However, if the birds pose a legitimate threat to student safety, schools can apply for a free Damage or Danger Permit through the Canadian Wildlife Service, according to the federal government.
blogTO reached out to the University of Ottawa for an update on the campus goose, but had not heard back by the time of publication.
Following the feathered drama, the University of Ottawa appears to be embracing its "open-air zoo" transformation after a rabbit was spotted hopping around campus in a video posted to Instagram.
No word yet on its major and minor.
Rikuto_photography/Shutterstock
