Same Story, Different Species

Thanks to a phone call from a caring father/son angling duo, a young Canada goose may survive a life-threatening struggle caused by humans.

The fishermen were enjoying family time when the son noticed a Canada goose on its back, in the water, near the shore. Although it was not easy to see without studying the bird, the goose was still alive. The pair were not able to discern for sure why the goose was on its back in the water, but knew something was not right and made a good call.

After a few minutes I was notified and, since I was nearby, I offered to help. To be honest, I was concerned the goose was exhibiting the effects of Avian influenza - a disease that has already impacted Bremer County and we don’t need it again. I was prepared with gloves and a garbage bag to capture and hold the bird for testing. However, when I attempted to lift the young goose from the water, I couldn’t. It quickly became obvious that the goose was not only caught in fishing line, but also had a jig (lure) hook embedded in its neck.

After freeing the goose from the vegetation and some fishing line, we then began the process of unthreading the fishing line that was wrapped around one leg, and the other, and across the breast, and under/around a wing. We left the hook removal for the experts, assuming the goose survives. Once the fishing line was removed I then delivered the goose to Terese at Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project. The young bird appeared exhausted and was unable to stand up. Maybe, just maybe, with rest and nourishment this goose will recover. (This story is very similar to the owl caught in fishing line not long ago.)

As I was removing fishing line, the anglers gathered even more fishing line in vegetation from that small area along the shore. How much more might there be around the pond? I don’t even want to think about that.

While I share this repeat saga, I want to add that as I approached my truck with the injured goose, I saw more fishing line, with two sinkers and a hook, in the gravel of the parking area. What if a young child stepped on that hook, or a dog? Let’s do a better job of cleaning up after ourselves. Thank you!

I want to remind again… please clean up your fishing line, your fishing tackle, and anything else you carry with you to enjoy the outdoors. Let’s be better stewards of our environment.

Thanks fishing guys, Terese, and any veterinarians that may assist this goose!