Grand Rapids (WZZM) - In a few months many of the geese now enjoying the west Michigan summer will head south to avoid the winter.
But until then, lakes and ponds are packed with the birds and the nearly full grown goslings they hatched in the spring.
That is both a blessing and a curse for many residents of Marsh Ridge Senior Community in Grand Rapids.
They may like the geese swimming in the complex ponds, but not the droppings that come with a flock of birds.
"You would have to have someone just to clean up the crap around here 24/7," says resident Don Prill. "I don't think that's going to happen."
Despite the best efforts of maintenance staff, the goose droppings litter sidewalks, driveways and lawns in the complex.
"You don't realize you've stepped in it until you walk inside and suddenly you are leaving footprints on your carpet," says resident Stan Stempleski.
Residents estimate the flock of Marsh Ridge geese is close to 200 birds.
"They've tried and tried to discourage them," points out resident Ellyne Stephan. "They had a fake coyote over by the pond and that didn't do anything. That was a joke."
The geese aren't easy to evict and it's illegal to kill them. They are a federally protected species and are a common sight in west Michigan housing developments, parks and golf courses.
"They walk all over the place," says Prill. "They act like they own the place."
A Department Of Natural Resources brochure says a combination of trapping, harassing, disturbing their eggs and relocating will sometimes get rid of the geese, but there is no guaranteed solution.
"I've been here 2 years and still living with them," says Prill. "I think they are happy here."