A University of Waterloo student has created an interactive goose map, named Waddleloo, to assist students in avoiding the issue of “aggressive geese” on campus.
Anirudh Dabas, a first-year computer science major, shared that his initial encounter with a Canada goose was quite startling.
“The worst thing about it, is that you hear them before you see them. I was just walking out and I hear this big hissing sound from behind me and I was like, ‘what is that?’ And I turned back and this goose is like flying in my face.”
Being an international student from Delhi, he had never experienced a Canada goose coming at him until last September.
The issue of aggressive geese on campus isn’t new. Just last week, a viral video showcased a Canada goose trapped inside a building at Wilfrid Laurier University causing quite the stir.
WATCH | Screams heard as goose flies through Laurier campus building:
Screams heard as Canada goose flies through Laurier campus building
A Canada goose stuck inside a building on Wilfrid Laurier University’s campus went viral after multiple students recorded the bird flying around, making students run, scream and hide. Geese are common sights on campus during spring as they settle down to nest.
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Canada geese are seen as a “menace” by some students at the University of Waterloo. One student, Anirudh Dabas, has created an interactive map to help students avoid Canada geese. (Lauren Kuivenhoven/CBC)
Dabas launched the platform on March 23; it functions similarly to Google Maps. Students can input their starting point and destination, and the map will indicate the best route to bypass “high-risk” areas.
He noted that geese tend to become aggressive in specific locations such as active nesting spots. These areas are marked on the map so users know where to steer clear of nesting geese.
If some students aren’t overly fearful of geese, Dabas mentioned there are three comfort-level options: avoid all, cautious and comfortable. The route changes based on user preference.
The map gathers location data using crowd-sourced information-a feature Dabas is particularly proud of.
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Waddleloo works similarly to Google Maps. Students can enter their start and end goal, and the map determines the safest route to avoid Canada Geese. (Waddleloo. com)
Users can upload pictures of goose sightings along with their locations on the map. The photos undergo analysis by AI using a YOLO detection model-an algorithm designed for object detection within images.
This data feeds into Gemini which assesses details like whether there are goslings present or if there are any eggs laid nearby.
The photos get flagged according to risk levels: low, moderate or high aggression potential. Dabas also reviews each submission before it’s added to prevent any misuse from trolls.
Many students believe having a way to avoid encounters with geese is essential.
“I feel like they’re pretty aggressive and they just always want to attack me and my friend here,” expressed Berkley Maclean who studies arts at University of Waterloo. Maclean thinks it would really help those who fear encountering these birds.
WATCH | Waddleloo helps students avoid encounters with Canada geese:
Interactive goose map, Waddleloo, helps UW students steer clear of aggressive geeseA University of Waterloo student has come up with a solution amid tales of Canada geese attacking individuals on campus. Anirudh Dabas is a first-year computer science student who developed Waddeloo-a website akin to Google Maps-allowing students to report sightings while finding safe pathways towards classes. The tool has already been extended over at Wilfrid Laurier University with plans for Mc Master and Western next.
CBC K-W’s Lauren Kuivenhoven visited recently for more insights.
Oliver Fieduna who studies planning at University stated that he’s also faced issues due this problem: “I was walking into class one day when this goose decided it wanted its space right near door-it started hissing.. I had no choice but sprint away while waving my hands off.” He described his experience with humor but concern too! Dabas believes his mapping tool provides safety for getting across campus successfully: “I think it’s very real problem,” he concluded firmly! The success story surrounding Waddleloo feels surreal according him!
“When creating it, I certainly didn’t imagine how well received it’d become.. It’s reached hundreds thousands views now!”LISTEN | The creator of Waddleloo explains how the map works:
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‘The geese were here first’
To help fellow students steer clear of similar experiences, he developed Waddleloo, which enables users to report goose sightings on the platform and find safer routes to class. “The geese were here first. So we basically have to work around them instead of trying to solve the problem of the geese themselves,” said Dabas. Canada geese are federally protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, meaning relocating them requires a permit.
Interactive goose map, Waddleloo, helps UW students steer clear of aggressive geeseA University of Waterloo student has come up with a solution amid tales of Canada geese attacking individuals on campus. Anirudh Dabas is a first-year computer science student who developed Waddeloo-a website akin to Google Maps-allowing students to report sightings while finding safe pathways towards classes. The tool has already been extended over at Wilfrid Laurier University with plans for Mc Master and Western next.CBC K-W’s Lauren Kuivenhoven visited recently for more insights.
Talia Tsarfati studying science business commented she’s seen instances where people have been attacked by these birds herself.
“I’m actually really scared of them,” Tsarfati admitted.Oliver Fieduna who studies planning at University stated that he’s also faced issues due this problem: “I was walking into class one day when this goose decided it wanted its space right near door-it started hissing.. I had no choice but sprint away while waving my hands off.” He described his experience with humor but concern too! Dabas believes his mapping tool provides safety for getting across campus successfully: “I think it’s very real problem,” he concluded firmly! The success story surrounding Waddleloo feels surreal according him!
“When creating it, I certainly didn’t imagine how well received it’d become.. It’s reached hundreds thousands views now!”LISTEN | The creator of Waddleloo explains how the map works:
The Morning Edition – K-W5:59Waddleloo map helps students avoid Canada geese
AUniversityof Waterloostudenthasintroducedageesetrackingplatformcalled Waddleloo. Itutilizesamap, similarto Google Maps, enablingstudentsfindsafespaceswhileavoidingaggressivegeesebirds. CBCK-W’s Lauren Kuivenhoveninterviewed Anirudh Dabasabouttheproject.Dabas said his inspiration stemmed from another local program known as Goose Watch which stopped operating following COVID disruptions:
“There seems genuinely large gap left open! That’s what I intend fill via Waddleloo,” he expressed enthusiastically!
This site wasn’t merely school assignment; but made purely “for enjoyment coding!”
Navigating Geeses During Nesting Season
Pertainingtolast year, Guelph Humane Societymentionednestingperiodisbrief onlyfew weeks, yetthesebirdscanbecome especiallyprotectiveatthistimearound!
The humane society provided tips regarding sharing spaceswithgeeseduringthis time include:
- Provideadequatespacebykeepingwideberthsorchoosingalternative routes!
- Ensuredogsareleashedaroundnestssoastotake stress offgeesefamilies!
- Be mindfuloffamiliesmoving alongasparentslead youngto water sourcesnearby!
- Exercisepatience since most nests remainactiveunder monthbeforethey moveon!
Thehumane societyhighlightedthat Canada Geesemaintainprotectionunder Migratory Birds Convention Actrenderingitillegaldisturbormoveanynest whatsoever!
Southern Ontario continues seeinggrowing populations amongtemperate-breeding Canadageeses. Accordingto Governmentof Canadasite recordsindicateover60000 breedingpairshavingestablishedwithin Southern Ontario regionin2025!
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