State Law Making It A Challenge To Clean Geese Droppings From The Riverwalk
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Riverwalk by Pittsburgh's sports stadiums is a beautiful place to walk, run and bike, but not so much lately.
Canadian geese have taken over and are leaving behind a not so pleasant gift. But cleaning it up right now is not as easy as you might think.
"I was pretty surprised; it's pretty gummy down here," said Doug Schade, of Boston, Massachusetts. "I certainly have had to check my shoes a few times already."
Out-of-town visitors are drawn to the North Shore Riverwalk for its view of the city and walk along the Allegheny River. It's nice for a run, bike, or stroll.
"When you're doing that, you don't want to have to worry about stepping in geese stuff," said Jennifer Schade, of Boston.
"It's beautiful but you have to deal with all the geese, and all the mess on the sidewalk, and we commented that it would be nice if it was cleaned up somewhat," said Michael Onouscheck, of Fort Worth, Texas.
Normally, the Sports and Exhibition Authority would send in the contract geese police.
"The geese police will have their dogs chase the geese into the river," said Taylor Blice the SEA facilities director.
And when they were gone, in would come the city.
"We have a pretty frequent schedule of cleaning it with our sweepers, but there's a period of time when we're not allowed to do anything. They're protected animals," said Pittsburgh Public Works Director Mike Gable.
It seems the geese are molting and mating right now.
"There's a state law that says the geese can't be chased by dogs while they are in their molting season," says Blice.
So, for now, the geese are laying little organic landmines all over the Riverwalk and the city's hands are tied.
"Probably in a few days, or a week from now, we're going to be able to get back on the task of cleaning it up," said Gable.
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