A new breed of polluter is causing havoc in Lake Tahoe, a freshwater lake in Sierra Nevada, on the border between the us states of California and Nevada.
The lake's bed has a two-inch coat of Canadian geese droppings. The bird takes refuge in the lake when they moult their primary wing feathers in spring. A 4.5 kg-Canadian goose can produce around 2 kg of nitrate and phosphate-rich droppings every day. A sewage spill at the lake "is nothing compared to what is being done by these geese", says wildlife biologist Jack Spencer.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.