By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Migrating Black Brant geese force dogs off Parksville beaches

Feb 14, 2019 | 3:45 PM

PARKSVILLE — Thousands of migrating geese flocking to Oceanside shores means two beaches will be closed to dogs.

Black Brant geese on their way from California and Mexico to the Canadian Arctic make a crucial pitstop along the food-rich Parksville and Qualicum Beach shores. They gorge themselves on herring eggs and the fresh water from nearby streams after exhausting their energy supplies.

The geese are so weak any disruption to their feeding or burning of energy can seriously hamper the next stage of their flight.

To prevent any damage to the Black Brant Geese, Rathtrevor Beach and Parksville Beach will close to dogs, whether on-leash or off.

Rathtrevor closes from Feb. 15 to April 15 with Parksville Beach closing March 1 to April 30.

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Anyone curious about the Black Brant geese are reminded to stay back and not disturb the hungry creatures.

The Brant Wildlife Festival starts March 18 and features a variety of events stretching throughout the month, including bird courts and nature walks.

A complete list of events can be found online here.

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