A return to spring means a return to Canada for geese, and in their nesting season their aggressive behavior presents a problem for homeowners and busineses alike. 

Garry Leslie of the Estevan Wildlife Federation said geese coming back to Estevan is a good sign of better weather to come, but also the return of an animal that doesn't share its space well.

"Canada geese are very territorial, very dominant in the nesting season," said Leslie. "Normally they would shy away from people but when they're defending a nest or their territory they will approach you, hiss at you and beat you with the tips of their wings."

Geese being aggressive wouldn't be a problem if they did it in unoccupied areas, but the birds seem not to care whether or not they do it in places filled with people. 

"Geese will nest anywhere of opportunity," Leslie said. "They'll nest right in the city, underneath bushes, in front of busineses. Once they decide they want that area, they take it over."

For businesses and homeowners, it can be irritating and possibly dangerous to have an aggressive nesting goose nearby. Leslie has some advice for anyone having to deal with a feathered guest. 

"GIve it some space," he said. "The goose will decide what perimiter it wants to let you in. When it gets its hackles up and starts hissing, that's the point where you've gotten too close. If it becomes an issue, conservation officers have to be called about relocating it or whatever they decide."

"The best thing with any aggressive wildlife is to back away, give it its space," he added. "We've got the common sense to give it its space and the animal doesn't have that, they're just defending their territory."

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, if attacked by a goose a person should keep their chest facing the animal and not look away or flee. Back away calmly and keep a non-aggressive demeanour.