GALLOWAY -- Residents in Atlantic County are complaining that a lake and nearby Wawa store have proven too popular with Canada geese, which just happens to be the origin of the Wawa name, according to a report.

The Canada geese are drawn to the Smithville section of town because of its proximity Lake Meone, which is just across Route 9 from a Wawa, according to PressofAtlanticCity.com.

Wawa is a Native American word for the Canada goose that was found in the Delaware Valley over 100 years ago, according to the company's website. The signs outside Wawa stores also feature an image of a goose as does the company logo.

While there are signs asking people not to feed the geese, town officials have little recourse to get rid of the animals unless they pose a threat to human life, PressofAtlanticCity.com reported.

Homeowners and property manager can apply for a free permit to destroy nests and remove eggs, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.