Why you might be seeing dead geese in your neighborhood

New Jersey residents are increasingly reporting clusters of dead geese and other wild birds in parks, retention ponds, and along lakes. These aren’t isolated incidents: the state is feeling the impact of an ongoing nationwide bird flu (avian influenza) outbreak, and wildlife officials are tracking unusual mass deaths in wild birds across multiple counties.

If you’ve stumbled on a shoreline lined with dead Canada geese or noticed sick waterfowl acting strangely, it can be unsettling and raise understandable worries about your family, pets, and local wildlife. This guide brings together what New Jersey agencies and national health authorities are currently advising—where mass casualties are showing up, what bird flu means for people and pets, and exactly what to do (and not do) if you spot dead or sick birds.

A flock of Canada geese near a New Jersey pond, some standing in the water and others on the shore
Canada geese gathered along a New Jersey waterway. State wildlife officials are monitoring unusual die-offs linked to the current bird flu outbreak.

Understanding the current bird flu situation in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that the state is experiencing an avian influenza outbreak in wild birds. This is part of a broader, long-running wave of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), often referred to as “bird flu,” affecting much of the United States.

While exact locations and numbers change week to week, reports of mass casualties have focused on:

  • Waterways and ponds where Canada geese congregate
  • Coastal and inland wetlands used by migratory waterfowl
  • Reservoirs, retention basins, and community lakes in suburban areas
  • Parks and golf courses with large resident goose populations

These events can involve anywhere from a handful of birds to dozens or more in one location. Wildlife biologists use these clusters to guide testing and containment efforts.

“Periodic bird flu outbreaks in wild populations are not new, but the current strain has been unusually widespread and persistent across North America. For most people, the risk remains low, but close contact with sick or dead birds is never recommended.”

— Summary of guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)


How to recognize possible bird flu in wild birds

You cannot confirm bird flu just by looking, but there are common symptoms that wildlife officials associate with HPAI in wild birds, especially waterfowl like geese, ducks, and swans.

Common signs in sick or dying birds

  • Uncoordinated movement, stumbling, or falling over
  • Head or neck twisting, tremors, or seizures
  • Inability to fly, swim normally, or get off the ground
  • Unusual lethargy—birds not moving away when approached
  • Swelling around the head, eyes, or neck
  • Nasal discharge, coughing, or open-mouth breathing

What mass casualties can look like

A typical mass mortality event might involve:

  1. Several dead geese clustered along a shoreline or field, sometimes over the course of a few days.
  2. Other species—such as ducks, gulls, or raptors—dead or visibly ill in the same area.
  3. Sick birds that appear neurologically impaired (e.g., spinning in circles, unable to stand).
Canada geese resting by a suburban pond with houses in the background
Suburban ponds and retention basins that attract large goose populations are common sites for reported bird deaths.

What this means for people, pets, and backyard flocks

The phrase “bird flu” understandably raises alarms. Current evidence from the CDC and World Health Organization suggests that the overall risk to the general public in the U.S. remains low. However, certain situations carry more risk and call for extra caution.

Human health risk

  • Human infections from HPAI are rare and typically linked to very close, unprotected contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
  • People who handle birds regularly—such as poultry workers, wildlife rehabilitators, or hunters—have higher potential exposure and should follow strict protective guidelines.
  • For the average person walking through a park, the main risk comes from touching dead birds or contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Pets (dogs and cats)

Dogs and cats are naturally curious and may want to sniff or carry dead birds. While pet infections are uncommon, there have been documented cases involving exposure to infected wild birds.

  • Do not allow pets to lick, carry, or eat dead birds or bird carcasses.
  • Keep dogs on a leash near known problem areas or posted advisories.
  • If your pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird and later shows signs of illness (such as lethargy, breathing issues, or neurologic changes), contact your veterinarian and mention possible bird exposure.

Backyard chickens and domestic birds

For New Jersey residents who keep chickens, ducks, or other domestic birds, HPAI is a more direct concern. The virus is highly contagious among poultry and can decimate flocks.

  • Prevent contact between your birds and wild waterfowl whenever possible.
  • Do not share equipment, feed, or water sources with other flocks.
  • Change footwear and clothing after visiting areas with wild birds or other poultry operations.
  • Consult USDA and NJ Department of Agriculture guidance on biosecurity for small flocks.

“From a public health standpoint, the key message is simple: avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, and practice good hand hygiene. These basic steps go a long way in reducing already low risk.”

— Paraphrased from CDC avian influenza recommendations


What to do if you find dead or sick geese in New Jersey

When you encounter dead or visibly ill birds, it’s normal to want to “do something.” The most helpful—and safest—response is following the steps state and federal agencies have laid out.

1. Do not touch the birds with bare hands

  • Avoid direct contact with dead or sick birds, their droppings, or bodily fluids.
  • Do not attempt to move, feed, or rescue a sick wild bird on your own.
  • Keep children and pets away from the area.

2. Report the incident to the right authority

Reporting helps officials track the outbreak and decide when to collect samples for testing. In New Jersey, appropriate contacts typically include:

  • NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife: For multiple dead wild birds (especially waterfowl or raptors). Check the latest reporting instructions at state.nj.us/dep/fgw/.
  • Local animal control / health department: For dead birds on municipal property, parks, or streets.
  • USDA or NJ Department of Agriculture: If you suspect illness in domestic poultry or backyard flocks.

When reporting, provide:

  1. Location (address, park name, or GPS pin if possible)
  2. Number and type of birds (geese, ducks, gulls, etc.)
  3. Whether birds are dead, sick, or both
  4. Date and time you observed the incident
  5. Any photos taken from a safe distance (optional but helpful)

3. Follow local guidance on carcass removal

In many cases, municipal or county agencies handle carcass removal from public spaces. On private property, local health departments can advise on safe disposal methods if needed. Procedures may vary depending on:

  • The number of birds involved
  • Whether the area is a known outbreak hotspot
  • Current guidance from NJDEP and USDA
Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds. Leave handling and testing to trained wildlife or animal control professionals.

What not to do around dead or sick birds

In stressful moments, it’s easy to make well-intentioned but risky choices. These are the actions health and wildlife experts consistently urge people to avoid:

  • Do not attempt home necropsy or cutting open birds to “look for disease.”
  • Do not hose down or power-wash areas with heavy bird droppings where sick or dead birds have been, as this can aerosolize contaminants.
  • Do not feed or handle sick birds in an attempt to help them; instead, report them.
  • Do not let children play near carcasses or in areas with large amounts of fresh droppings.
  • Do not ignore clusters of dead birds, even if scavengers start to remove them—reporting still matters.

“The urge to help a suffering animal is powerful, but with diseases like avian influenza, untrained handling can put both you and the broader community at unnecessary risk. The most compassionate action is often to notify the professionals who can respond safely.”

— Wildlife rehabilitator, reflecting common professional guidance


Practical steps to protect your household and community

While you can’t control what wild birds do, you can reduce potential risks around your home and neighborhood and support public health efforts.

Everyday hygiene

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after spending time in areas with dense bird populations or droppings.
  • Remove or clean shoes before entering your home if you’ve walked through affected areas.
  • Avoid letting children sit or play directly where birds frequently gather and defecate.

Managing your yard and local water features

  • Discourage large congregations of geese on your property by not feeding them and using humane deterrents approved by local regulations.
  • Clean bird feeders and baths regularly with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), rinsing thoroughly and drying before refilling.
  • If you notice multiple dead birds near your property’s pond or water feature, contact local authorities before attempting cleanup.

Backyard flock precautions

  1. Keep domestic birds’ feed and water indoors or under cover to avoid contamination by wild bird droppings.
  2. Use dedicated footwear and tools for your coop; do not use them elsewhere.
  3. Isolate new or returning birds for a period recommended by your veterinarian before introducing them to the main flock.
  4. Report sudden, unexplained deaths in your flock to your veterinarian or state agriculture department promptly.
Backyard flocks are vulnerable to bird flu. Simple biosecurity steps—like limiting contact with wild birds—can significantly reduce risk.

A neighborhood experience: from alarm to action

In one North Jersey neighborhood bordering a small lake, residents woke to find more than a dozen dead Canada geese along the shoreline over just a few days. Parents were worried about kids walking to school, dog owners about their pets, and everyone about what this meant for their health.

Here’s how the situation unfolded:

  1. A resident took photos from a distance and called both the local health department and the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.
  2. Wildlife staff visited the site, collected a few carcasses for testing, and posted temporary notices asking people to keep pets leashed and avoid the shoreline.
  3. Within a week, tests confirmed avian influenza in the geese. Officials updated online advisories and offered guidance to residents on avoiding contact.
  4. The town coordinated removal and disposal of remaining carcasses, and the number of new deaths gradually declined.

That neighborhood’s experience mirrors what many New Jersey communities are facing: an unsettling event, but one that can be managed with clear communication, cooperation, and basic precautions.

Quiet suburban lakeside path with houses and trees, suggesting a New Jersey neighborhood
Many New Jersey neighborhoods built around lakes and ponds are on the front lines of observing changes in local bird health.

Common questions about bird flu and dead geese in N.J.

Can my kids still play at the park if dead geese have been found there?

In general, yes—with precautions. Avoid areas where carcasses are present or large amounts of droppings are visible, and follow any posted signs or closures. Encourage kids to wash their hands or use sanitizer after playing, especially before eating.

Is it safe to walk my dog near ponds where geese have died?

Walking near these areas is typically acceptable, but keep your dog leashed and prevent them from sniffing, licking, or carrying dead birds. If your dog does make contact, call your veterinarian and monitor for any signs of illness.

Should I stop feeding backyard songbirds?

Guidance may vary depending on current local conditions. In many cases, feeding songbirds is still allowed if you:

  • Clean feeders and birdbaths regularly
  • Remove them temporarily if you see sick or dead birds near your yard
  • Follow any specific recommendations from state wildlife agencies

Where can I find the latest, reliable information?


Staying informed, staying calm, and protecting what matters

Seeing dead geese or other birds in your neighborhood is disturbing, and it’s completely natural to worry about what it means for your family and your community. The reality in New Jersey right now is that bird flu is having a serious impact on wild bird populations—but with the information we have, the direct risk to most people remains low, especially when basic precautions are followed.

Your role is straightforward but important:

  • Avoid touching dead or sick birds.
  • Keep children and pets away from carcasses and heavy droppings.
  • Report clusters of dead birds to the proper authorities.
  • Practice good hygiene after outdoor activities in bird-heavy areas.
  • Follow evolving guidance from NJDEP, NJ Department of Agriculture, CDC, and USDA.

By staying informed and taking these simple, evidence-based steps, you help protect not just your own household, but also your neighbors, local wildlife, and New Jersey’s broader environment.

If you notice new or ongoing bird deaths in your area, don’t ignore them—document what you see from a safe distance, make a report, and let the experts take it from there.