Feral populations of the canada goose Branta canadensis continue to grow at around 8% per year in the UK. The growing feral populations in Europe and non‐migratory populations of ‘urban’ canada geese in North America are beginning to conflict with human interests. In response to increasingly frequent calls for control of this species, we review the scientific literature concerning the biology of feral populations in an attempt to determine why such rapid population growth has occurred. We also examine the available evidence about the problems caused by canada geese and the published information on the management techniques already tested. Feral canada geese are highly fecund, producing up to six young per pair, and have high fledging success. This allows populations to continue to grow even in areas with high levels of mortality in both adult and immature birds, mostly as a result of shooting. Population growth has been most rapid in urban areas with little shooting pressure and correspondingly low adult mortality. Site faithfulness, particularly in females, has probably slowed the spread of canada geese to new habitats,
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