What types of interactions do Canadian geese have with other organisms?
    Many geese from the species Branta canadensis are hosts to Cryptosporidium spp. This may be accidental. They parasitize the epithelial of the intestinal tracts. To learn more, visit Host-Adapted Cryptosporidium spp. in Canada Geese. 
    The eggs of Canadian geese are often prey to animals like gulls, ravens, American crows, skunks, and dogs. Also, the geese are hunted by humans. They are a very popular game bird.

Where do Canadian geese fit in in the food web and what is their ecosystem role?
    The species is a primary consumer which means that it feeds on producers, or autotrophs. Branta canadensis is a herbivore.
    Canadian geese disperse seeds which allows the seeds to grow in new places. Also, they are important prey to many organisms.

Are there any human uses or effects on humans?
    Negative: Canadian geese can become very big pests to people. They may become unwanted residents or neighbors on lawns, golf courses, at air ports, beaches, and parks. They can overgraze lawns and crops which leads to erosion. There can also be a build up of feces which reduces water quality by adding Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and bacteria to water.
    Positive: Canadian geese are beautiful creatures. They are fun to watch as they migrate overhead in the fall and as they return in the spring. Also, they provide game for hunters. There are many delicious recipes of Canadian geese that people have created over the ages.

Are Canadian geese becoming threatened?
    At the time, Branta canadensis are not being threatened; although, some populations have decreased because of over-hunting and habitat alteration.
Mortality among Canadian geese is relatively high. Annually, 32-52% of the species die. The majority of this percentage are not mature yet. Males also have a higher mortality rate because of hunting.

For some other interesting organisms that Canadian geese live with visit these websites: wild ginger, the pumpkin, and the largemouth bass.
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