Foxes tend to keep to themselves and generally pose no risk to people or pets. In fact, they help control rodent populations and contribute to a healthy urban environment. The best approach is to simply give them space and let them go about their business while we go about ours.

Please don’t feed the foxes

While it can feel like an act of kindness, feeding wildlife can cause real harm. When foxes start to associate humans with food, they can become bolder and approach people or populated areas more frequently. Human food can also make them sick or even lead to death if their bodies cannot tolerate it.

By resisting the urge to feed foxes or any wildlife, we help them stay wild and self-sufficient.

How you can help

• Keep your distance. If you see a fox, enjoy the sight from afar.
• Do not feed or try to pet them.
• Secure garbage and outdoor food sources so wildlife is not tempted to scavenge.
• Report unusual behaviour, such as an injured or aggressive animal, to Security Services at 204-474-9341.

Together, we can ensure the university remains a safe, respectful place for people and for the wildlife that share our campus.

For more information, contact: Jessica.norman2@umanitoba.ca

To prepare, Physical Plant implements measures to ensure a safe and respectful environment for both people and geese at the Fort Garry campus. Operations and Maintenance will be covering planters to deter nesting in areas with high human traffic; geese that nest on rooftops will be provided access ramps for their goslings upon hatching. As the geese begin to nest, signs will be posted in nesting areas to warn people of their presence. Learn more about the UM Wildlife Management Plan.

Sharing Campus Respectfully

Geese thrive in urban environments due to access to water, food, nesting sites, and protection from predators. While they are fascinating to observe, they can also be territorial and defensive—especially during nesting season. However, these geese are accustomed to campus life. They navigate our human activities daily, coexisting with cars, traffic, and pedestrians. They acknowledge our presence and respect our space. It’s essential that we do the same in return, recognizing that they are as much a part of the campus as the buildings we use.

Canada geese contribute to our university experience, and we should take pride in maintaining an environment that supports them. To ensure a safe and harmonious coexistence:

• Observe geese from a distance and avoid approaching their nests.
• Be mindful of posted signs and avoid areas with active nests.
• If a goose hisses, flaps its wings, or moves toward you, calmly back away to give it space.
• Do not take selfies with geese.
• Do not throw objects at or antagonize them.
• Do not feed them.
• Drive cautiously, being prepared for geese to cross a road.

Avian Flu Awareness:  Ways to Protect Yourself

As we welcome the geese back to campus, it’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with avian flu. This virus has been affecting wild birds across North America, including waterfowl like geese. To protect both yourself and wildlife:

• If a bird looks like it needs help, don’t approach or touch it. Sick or injured birds may carry avian flu, which can spread to humans and other animals.
• Avoid contact with bird droppings and wash your hands thoroughly if you encounter areas frequented by birds.
• Pet owners should keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from interacting with birds or bird droppings.

If you witness anyone engaging in harmful behavior toward the geese, please report it to Campus Security. For concerns about wildlife on campus, contact the Physical Plant Customer Service Desk at ppwod@umanitoba.ca.

By respecting the geese and staying informed about avian flu, we can ensure a safe and welcoming environment for both wildlife and the campus community.