FAIRHOPE, Alabama—In the past few weeks, dozens of Canada geese have returned to Fairhope's beach-front park.

Last August, more than 40 geese, were removed and killed in a secretive operation by a little-known division of the USDA on the city's orders, which The Courier exposed.

Recently, some local leaders have said that less drastic, and more humane, measures will be taken in dealing with any overpopulation of geese this year, which some in the city contend are responsible for water-pollution problems at the beach and a rash of swimming advisories issued in recent years.