It’s in the grass and spread onto the sidewalk.
For years, people visiting Mill Creek Park in South Portland, Maine have had to watch their step to avoid droppings from resident and migrating ducks and geese.
But now the amount of mess the birds are causing has prompted the city to consult the USDA about the problems they’re causing.
Over the past few weeks, strategies to mitigate the animals discussed with federal officials have been wide-ranging.
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Less likely options that were brought up include using dogs and lasers to chase them to other areas.
According to the City of South Portland’s Parks Department, a more likely scenario to try and disperse the animals will involve some kind of remote-controlled fan boat.
People visiting Mill Creek Park on Thursday told NECN/NBC 10 Boston that they support a non-lethal method of taming the birds’ presence.
"They’re not too much of a nuisance," said Hannah Allen of Cape Elizabeth, explaining that she likes seeing the geese and ducks.
However, she noted that "you can’t walk a couple feet without having to look down."
Another Cape Elizabeth resident, Hannah Allen, had a similar perspective, saying she’s seen the bird problems increase in the time that she’s been coming to the park, though she too likes seeing the waterfowl.
"I feel like there’s more bird poop," she said.
City officials have said that any strategy that is implemented will likely be launched in the spring, which is when experts have advised them is the best time for optimal results.
