Do they work? Yes and no. Before BSU started using the black silhouettes, the city of Boise and a few businesses around the Treasure Valley tried the coyote cutouts. The consensus is that the flocks of geese largely seen as a mess-making nuisance around Boise might avoid the silhouettes for a few days or even weeks. Sooner or later, though, they catch on.

Why doesn't the city use the silhouettes anymore? Basically, they became more of a hassle than they were worth. Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Amy Stahl said their effectiveness was limited, and some were falling apart. Some businesses still use them, including Plantation Country Club.

What makes BSU think they'll fare any better? No one's fooled into believing that the university's 15 to 18 cutouts are a long-term fix, interim director for facility operations Michael Moon said. It's a way to buy time until a lasting solution is found, he said.

Is there any lasting solution? In December, the city began allowing dogs to roam off-leash in parts of Ann Morrison Park. Though that just pushed geese to other areas, it's been a success inside the park, superintendent Tom Governale said. Fair warning: Dogs will no longer be allowed off-leash after sunset Feb. 28.