Local folks are speaking out about it and asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture for help, saying the geese are causing a real health concern, especially with what they're leaving behind on the local middle school football field.

We couldn't find any wild geese on the field at Wellsburg Middle School Monday night, but you could tell they had been here.

"Through the field, in the yard, through the playground, [they] leave droppings everywhere," described Wellsburg resident Jim Mercer.

Daily, the geese move from the river banks, to the playground, to the middle school's football field, according to residents.

"Feces is always all over the field. You have to see it to believe it. It's absolutely horrible and I know that they are protected, but not when it comes to the harm of my football players," said Wellsburg Middle School coach Art Baldauf.

Baldauf said what these geese leave behind isn’t pretty, and it's dangerous.

"[With players] getting an open sore, scratches, cuts, and things like that, so we're in a plan to get rid of them," said Baldauf.

The plan started with plastic cutouts of a coyote and red fox, to scare the geese away.

Baldauf said they help, but they're not enough, so he and a councilman contacted the USDA. A representative suggested using pyrotechnics, Mylar tape, a paintball gun, laser, or even dog harassment to get rid of them.

"We don't want to hurt them, we just want a safe football field for my players to participate on," said Baldauf.

Baldauf took his concerns and the work plan from the USDA to the Brooke County Board of Education Monday night.

Board members said they will be looking into it and would also like to consult the county health department.