Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Appearance
Range & Habitat
Reciprocal relationships
Canada geese fly and nest in large flocks and are particularly aggressive birds while protecting their young and their habitats. Canada geese are threatened by hunting, some predation, and in some places, habitat loss. In other places though, there are almost too many geese and they have become nuisances in parks.
Canada geese are important to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples across Turtle Island. They are a food staple, included in many cultural stories, and can be important foods at weddings and events. For the Cree of James and Hudson Bay, springtime goose hunts are a time when knowledge is shared, and values are passed down throughout generations. Hunting is a lifestyle, and an important time for teachings.