Why so many dead geese in New Jersey? Over 4,000 lifeless birds found in a month

DEAD geese have been piling up across ponds and lakes, alarming residents and leaving officials scrambling for answers. 

The die-off has grown quickly, with more than 1,100 sick or dead wild birds reported statewide over three days in mid-February alone. 

More than 1,100 sick or dead wild birds reported statewideCredit: Getty

The mass die-off of more than 4,000 geese and other birds in New Jersey is likely being driven by suspected bird fluCredit: 6abc

In New Jersey, officials say suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, is the leading reason behind the deaths, with fresh reports this week from Woodstown Memorial Lake in Salem County. 

New Jersey Fish & Wildlife says 4,370 dead or sick birds have been reported to DEP, and almost all of those reports involve Canada geese. 

A separate ABC affiliate WPVI report this week said nearly 7,500 sick or dead birds were reported to the state during February. 

One of the first major alarms came in Gloucester County, where about 50 to 75 dead geese were found near Alcyon Lake. 

Neighbors said the birds looked weak before dying, with one resident saying a goose was just laying there with his head flopped over. 

Officials in Gloucester County shut Betty Park and Alcyon Park while birds were being investigated and tested, the Daily Mail reported.

The concern has now spread south, with Woodstown police warning people about dead geese found at Woodstown Memorial Lake. 

Woodstown Borough officials are aware of reports of dead geese at Woodstown Memorial Lake.

As a precaution, residents are asked not to approach any geese in or around the area due to recent reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza in South Jersey.

“While the risk is low, we advise members of the public to limit contact with dead wildlife and to keep children and pets away,” police also warned.

Officials have not said every dead bird has tested positive for avian flu, and some deaths are still not fully confirmed. 

Experts say winter weather may also have made the problem worse by freezing open water and forcing migrating flocks into tighter spaces.

That crowding can help disease move fast through waterfowl gathering in the same ponds and lakes.

Confirmed bird flu cases have also been reported in Hainesport, Burlington County, adding to fears the outbreak is not isolated to one area. 

Federal health officials say there have been 71 human cases of A(H5) bird flu in the US since February 2024, along with two deaths. 

The CDC says there is still no known human-to-human transmission and the current risk to the general public remains low. 

For now, the advice is simple: do not touch sick or dead birds, and keep pets and children away from them. 

What is clear is that New Jersey is dealing with a fast-moving wave of bird deaths, and avian flu remains the main suspect behind it.