Collies Used to Scare Off Geese in North Idaho

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) — Sandpoint officials say they've solved the problem of geese on the beach by hiring two adorable new workers.

KTVB-TV reports that city officials say they have hired two border collies trained to chase the birds away and it has been more effective than any other technique they've tried. Sandpoint's beach has long had issues with geese and what they leave behind. The goose population has been as high as 150.

City officials say their attempts to scare geese off the beach with fireworks and ATVs were not as successful as the dogs. Since canines Oakie and Nicky began their job, goose numbers have declined 80 percent. Their owner, Randy Curless, says he plans to keep the dogs working at the beach through summer and fall.