Yes, there has been more of that dreaded goose grease in Alpena this year.

Alpena Building Inspector Don Gilmet confirmed that fact to council this week as members voted 3-2 to hold a pair of controlled goose hunts within the city next month. The number of hunters also will increase for the two hunts — Sept. 8 and 15.

Gilmet said the city’s well manicured lawns have attracted the extra birds this year.

“They come here to eat the grass,” Gilmet said. “There was also noticeably more small geese, or hatchlings all around town this year compared to last year.”

With geese comes scat, which in this instance often occurs where people typically gather. The city spends a lot of time, he said, trying to clean up park areas from all the “grease.”

“Everybody loves the geese, but hate the mess they make. People like seeing them, but when they have to walk where they have just been, then they don’t like them as much anymore.”

As evidence by the council vote, not all are in agreement that a hunt is the best way to address the issue.

We understand, but ultimately it seems to be the method that works best. And because of that fact, we support the city efforts.