An attack in 2012 by a swan toppled a Des Plaines man’s kayak, sending him plunging into the water of a retention pond. The aggressive swan, which had been nesting, continued to lunge at the man as he attempted to swim to shore. 
 
 He never made it. 
 
 Anthony Hensley, 37, a father of two daughters from Villa Park, drowned April 14, 2012, at the Bay Colony condominium complex near Golf Road in unincorporated Maine Township. 
 
 The case re-emerged this week when Hensley’s widow on Tuesday filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against the property management companies that owned and operated the complex. 
 
 The bizarre event left his family heartbroken and residents of the condominium complex without a regular in the community. 
 
 Hensley was a frequent visitor at the complex, where he was in charge of tending to the mute swans, which had been brought in to control the geese. He often brought his kayak and sometimes his dog to feed and care for the birds. 
 
 Amy Hensley’s lawsuit says the negligence of the companies, as well as the homeowners and condominium associations, caused her husband’s death. The companies “should have known the swans are strongly territorial with a dangerous propensity to attack,” according to the lawsuit. 
 
 Hensley is seeking at least $50,000 in damages. Her attorney did not return messages seeking comment. 
 
 A spokesman for Hillcrest Property Management Inc., one of the companies named in the lawsuit, declined to comment. The other companies named as defendants, Bay Colony Properties and the condo and homeowners associations there, could not be reached for comment. The Bay Colony complex is at 9501 Bay Colony Drive, south of Golf Road and adjacent to Interstate 294. 
 
 Anthony Hensley worked for North Barrington-based Knox Swan and Dog, which places the birds in ponds as deterrents to geese. That company is not a part of the lawsuit. 
 
 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation into Hensley’s death and found no violations on the part of Knox Swan, spokesman Scott Allen said. The case is considered closed. In order for OSHA to investigate, there must be a employee-employer relationship, Allen said, and the property management companies were not part of the probe. 
 
 The lawsuit contends the property companies kept a pair of mute swans at the complex to control the goose population and should be held liable for “knowingly keeping dangerous animals on the premises.” 
 
 Anthony Hensley did nothing to provoke the swans prior to the attack, according to the lawsuit. 
 
 Dive crews needed to search the 50-foot-deep pond to locate Hensley, who was pronounced dead at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. 
 
 poconnell@chicagotribune.com 
 
 Twitter @pmocwriter 
 
 RELATED: Man dies after being pulled from pond in Des Plaines » ||||| Stop Feeding Them 
 
 Set Up a Decoy 
 
 Make Water Unattractive 
 
 Scare Them with Noise 
 
 If you have geese problems, don’t sit around waiting for them to leave, do something about it! There is a variety of options out there. See how these simple tips can put a stop to your geese invasion so you can actually enjoy your property. 
 
 Stop Feeding Them 
 
 One of the most common reasons geese continue to return is the expectation of being fed. This a bad habit to support and human food is very bad for geese. If you are eating outside and accidentally leave food behind, geese will eat it and become prone to returning to your property. Clean up after outdoor meals, picnics and barbecues to ensure nothing is enticing them to your property. 
 
 Set Up a Swan Decoy to Scare Them Off 
 
 Swans are aggressive and protective, especially of their young. Geese know this and often stay away from swans to avoid confrontation. Placing a swan decoy on your property can fool the geese into fleeing away and put an end to their pesky invasion. 
 
 SEE ALSO: How To Scare Birds Away 
 
 If You Have Water On Your Property, Make it Appear Unattractive 
 
 If your property has a pond or waterfront, don’t cut or trim the plants surrounding the water. This will make the water less attractive for geese. Geese are very aware of their surroundings, and if they can’t see, they won’t feel safe in the area. Shrubbery and grasses should be allowed to grow about two or three feet high for maximum impact. 
 
 RELATED: How to Repel Birds 
 
 Scare The Geese Away With Noise 
 
 Nothing clears the room like a loud noise, so use that to your advantage. There is a wide variety of options in the way of noise makers. Some of these options include, but are not limited to: 
 
 Air Horns 
 
 Metal Pans 
 
 Electronic Movement Detectors, and more! 
 
 SEE: Best Spray for Birds: What to Look Out For 
 
 Use A Goose and Bird Repellent Spray to Take Back Your Property 
 
 Each of the following tactics has their pros and cons, but the best option is saved for last. Avian Migrate, a product of Avian Enterprises is an EPA-registered liquid goose and bird repellent that will eliminate your goose problems. It will prevent damage to your plants and/or property as well as get rid of bothersome geese. Shop now or contact us to learn more! 
 
 
 
 
 
 Geese Invasion? How to Keep Geese Away From Your Property Are geese taking over your property? Learn how to keep them away with Avian Enterprises goose and bird repellent. Brand: Avian Enterprises 
 
 Geese Invasion? How to Keep Geese Away From Your Property ||||| The widow of an Illinois man who drowned in 2012 after being attacked by a swan filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Tuesday. 
 
 Anthony Hensley, 37, was attacked by a swan while kayaking in a retention pond at the Bay Colony condominium complex in Maine Township, Illinois in April 2012. 
 
 Hensley was reportedly attacked by a swan and at some point fell into the water. Hensley – who was wearing boots and heavy clothing – drowned before he could make it to land. 
 
 His death was ruled an accident. 
 
 Hensley’s widow field a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court against the property management companies that owned and operated Bay Colony, the Chicago Tribune reported. 
 
 Hensley’s widow is seeking at least $50,000 in damages. 
 
 The Tribune said it reached out to the companies named in the suit, but did not hear back. 
 
 His widow's lawsuit stated that the companies’ and the homeowners/condominium associations’ negligence caused her husband's death. 
 
 The lawsuit contended that the companies “should have known the swans are strongly territorial with a dangerous propensity to attack,” and that they should be held liable for “knowingly keeping dangerous animals on the premises.” 
 
 Swans, known for being territorial and aggressive, are often used by property management to keep the population of geese from growing too large. 
 
 Hensley was a frequent visitor at the Bay Colony complex, where he was tasked with taking care of the swans. He often brought his kayak to feed and tend to the birds, the Chicago Tribune reported. ||||| Wildlife Education - A Directory of Qualified Canada Goose Removal Professionals How to Keep Canada Geese Away 
 
 
 
 If you need Canada Goose help, click my Nationwide List of Canada Goose Removal Experts for a pro near you. 
 
 
 
 Canada geese are becoming more of a problem for homeowners all around the world. They’ll invade your community, pollute your yards with their poop and generally drive you crazy while destroying your property and the crops that you’ve worked so hard to grow. Believe it or not, they can be quite territorial meaning you won’t be able to get rid of them easily. If you have a Canada geese problem, you may have heard about repellants that could keep them away. Let’s take a look at a few. 
 
 
 
 Herding Dogs 
 
 If you’ve wanted a pet for quite some time now, this is the perfect time to obtain a herding dog. Herding dogs such as border collies can be trained to repel Canada geese. They will not harm the geese but force them into the water while not allowing them to come back out to feed on land. They will harass the geese over and over again; prohibit them from nesting and courting on your property as well. The herding dog doesn’t even touch them to accomplish this and soon after, the geese will no longer feel the hospitality of hanging out in your yard. Considering that herding dogs have to be trained to handle this task, you will be out of some money and there’s no guarantee that the geese won’t keep attempting to take over your land. 
 
 
 
 Geese Decoys 
 
 Okay, so maybe buying a dog is completely out of the question, but you could still invest in a swan decoy. This is basically a swan like figure that you put into your pond or lake to keep the geese away. Swans are more territorial than geese, so when they’re in the water, geese will not swim up to them so as to avoid confrontation. All you have to do is tie the figure to something with some weight, set it in the pond or lake and allow it to float around. This will give it a more natural appearance and life like look. Geese decoys are very cheap, but don’t you think that at some point in time the geese will figure out that it’s not real? Once they do, you can forget about repelling them, because they’ll be moving back in. 
 
 
 
 Bird-X Irri-tape Ribbon 
 
 Did you know that certain sounds and colors can send birds into a frenzy? That is exactly what the irri-tape claims. Yet, it doesn’t just affect two of their senses; it affects all of their senses. It is basically iridescent foil that scares them when the light hits it and causes it to display different reflections and shadows. Also, when the irri-tape blows in the wind, it makes a metallic like noise that is supposed to annoy the geese and send them in another direction. It acts as a physical deterrent that blocks geese using its brackets on all types of surfaces. It can be used anywhere and it’s inexpensive. However, there is no real evidence that it will repel geese for good. Eventually, the Canada geese may actually start to become immune and they will continue being the nuisance that they are. 
 
 
 
 Change in Your Landscape 
 
 Being able to repel geese may be as easy as making some changes in your landscape. According to a study done in BerryMan Institute in Kentucky, geese like to eat bluegrass and other types of grass, but there are some species of grass that they will avoid such as Tall Fescue Grass, Euonymus, Japanese Pachysandra, English Ivy, Shrubbery and Tall Trees, Natural Meadow and Wildflower Areas and Periwinkle. Geese like to be in open areas where they can watch out for their predators and move quickly when needed. Avoiding areas with tall grass and shrubbery ensures their ability to fly. Changing your landscape in this manner definitely won’t be cheap and will be time consuming. Besides, you really shouldn’t have to change the way your yard looks to keep geese away. 
 
 
 
 Audio Repellants 
 
 There are a variety of audio repellants that you can invest in to use for 5-7 acres of your land. If you have more land than this, you’ll need to buy more than one. These repellants send out Canada geese danger and warning calls that will scare the geese and supposedly make them leave. The problem is that geese are very quick learners and will eventually figure out that you’re toying with them. Then, you will have wasted money on a repellant that only worked for a short period of time. 
 
 
 
 More in-detail how-to Canada Geese removal articles: 
 
 Information about 
 
 Information about 
 
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 Information about 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 This site is intended to provide education and information about how to keep Canada Geese away from your house, yard or lawn, so that you can make an informed decision if you need to deal with a Canada Goose problem. This site provides many Canada Goose control articles and strategies, if you wish to attempt to solve the problem yourself. If you are unable to do so, which is likely with many cases of Canada Goose removal, please go to the home page and click the USA map, where I have wildlife removal experts listed in over 500 cites and towns, who can properly help you with keeping away Canada Geese. Click here to read more about 
 
 
 
 Canada geese are becoming more of a problem for homeowners all around the world. They’ll invade your community, pollute your yards with their poop and generally drive you crazy while destroying your property and the crops that you’ve worked so hard to grow. Believe it or not, they can be quite territorial meaning you won’t be able to get rid of them easily. If you have a Canada geese problem, you may have heard about repellants that could keep them away. Let’s take a look at a few.If you’ve wanted a pet for quite some time now, this is the perfect time to obtain a herding dog. Herding dogs such as border collies can be trained to repel Canada geese. They will not harm the geese but force them into the water while not allowing them to come back out to feed on land. They will harass the geese over and over again; prohibit them from nesting and courting on your property as well. The herding dog doesn’t even touch them to accomplish this and soon after, the geese will no longer feel the hospitality of hanging out in your yard. Considering that herding dogs have to be trained to handle this task, you will be out of some money and there’s no guarantee that the geese won’t keep attempting to take over your land.Okay, so maybe buying a dog is completely out of the question, but you could still invest in a swan decoy. This is basically a swan like figure that you put into your pond or lake to keep the geese away. Swans are more territorial than geese, so when they’re in the water, geese will not swim up to them so as to avoid confrontation. All you have to do is tie the figure to something with some weight, set it in the pond or lake and allow it to float around. This will give it a more natural appearance and life like look. Geese decoys are very cheap, but don’t you think that at some point in time the geese will figure out that it’s not real? Once they do, you can forget about repelling them, because they’ll be moving back in.Did you know that certain sounds and colors can send birds into a frenzy? That is exactly what the irri-tape claims. Yet, it doesn’t just affect two of their senses; it affects all of their senses. It is basically iridescent foil that scares them when the light hits it and causes it to display different reflections and shadows. Also, when the irri-tape blows in the wind, it makes a metallic like noise that is supposed to annoy the geese and send them in another direction. It acts as a physical deterrent that blocks geese using its brackets on all types of surfaces. It can be used anywhere and it’s inexpensive. However, there is no real evidence that it will repel geese for good. Eventually, the Canada geese may actually start to become immune and they will continue being the nuisance that they are.Being able to repel geese may be as easy as making some changes in your landscape. According to a study done in BerryMan Institute in Kentucky, geese like to eat bluegrass and other types of grass, but there are some species of grass that they will avoid such as Tall Fescue Grass, Euonymus, Japanese Pachysandra, English Ivy, Shrubbery and Tall Trees, Natural Meadow and Wildflower Areas and Periwinkle. Geese like to be in open areas where they can watch out for their predators and move quickly when needed. Avoiding areas with tall grass and shrubbery ensures their ability to fly. Changing your landscape in this manner definitely won’t be cheap and will be time consuming. Besides, you really shouldn’t have to change the way your yard looks to keep geese away.There are a variety of audio repellants that you can invest in to use for 5-7 acres of your land. If you have more land than this, you’ll need to buy more than one. These repellants send out Canada geese danger and warning calls that will scare the geese and supposedly make them leave. The problem is that geese are very quick learners and will eventually figure out that you’re toying with them. Then, you will have wasted money on a repellant that only worked for a short period of time.Information about Canada Goose trapping - analysis and methods for how to trap.Information about how to kill a Canada Goose - with poison or other methods.Information about how to keep Canada Geese away - prevention techniques.Information about how to catch a Canada Goose - remove one stuck in the house.Information about Canada Goose repellent - analysis of types and effectiveness.This site is intended to provide education and information about how to keep Canada Geese away from your house, yard or lawn, so that you can make an informed decision if you need to deal with a Canada Goose problem. This site provides many Canada Goose control articles and strategies, if you wish to attempt to solve the problem yourself. If you are unable to do so, which is likely with many cases of Canada Goose removal, please go to the home page and click the USA map, where I have wildlife removal experts listed in over 500 cites and towns, who can properly help you with keeping away Canada Geese. Click here to read more about how to get rid of Canada Geese
– It was his job to take care of the swans, and it was a swan that ended up ending his life. Now the wife of a Des Plaines, Ill., man who died in 2012 after a swan attack in a condo complex's retention pond is suing the companies that own and operate the complex, the Chicago Tribune reports. In her complaint, Amy Hensley says the property management companies, as well as the condo and homeowners associations at the Bay Colony complex, were negligent in keeping the swans on the premises. Geese are fearful of swans, so swans or swan decoys are sometimes brought in to keep the goose population in check. But swans can act aggressively while trying to protect their young, and it was a swan's unchecked aggressiveness, Hensley says, that led to the death of her husband, Anthony Hensley. The 37-year-old dad of two worked for Knox Swan and Dog, a local company that rents out swans as a goose control remedy, and he was often seen at Bay Colony taking care of the hired-out birds, typically in his kayak and with his dog. But on the day in question in April 2012, a nesting swan attacked Hensley's kayak and tipped him out of it. The bird continued to go after Hensley, who Fox News says was wearing heavy clothes and boots. He tried to make it to land but ended up drowning. His death was ruled accidental, but his wife's complaint notes the defendants in her suit "should have known the swans are strongly territorial with a dangerous propensity to attack." The suit adds he didn't do anything to agitate the swan before it attacked. Hensley's wife is asking for at least $50,000 in damages. (An Indianapolis man got ticketed for trying to protect his young son from a goose.)