Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Canada Goose

Hook, line, and nearly sinker – this gosling’s lucky break.

This young Canada Gosling is just another victim of discarded fishing gear. Thankfully, the finders noticed something was wrong and did exactly the right thing – they safely contained the bird and brought them to us right away.

It turned out a fishhook was embedded so deeply into the gosling’s coelom (body cavity) that it had lacerated the liver and introduced bacteria into the abdomen. These internal injuries aren’t visible from the outside, but they can quickly become life-threatening.

Too often, people find hooked wildlife and try to help by removing the gear themselves. But without sedation and imaging, that can cause even more harm.

In this case, it was only because the hook and line were left intact and the patient arrived promptly that we were able to safely sedate the gosling, remove the hook, and begin treatment.

Now on antibiotics and pain medication, this little one is under close watch. We’re hopeful they’ll make a full recovery and return to the wild – but it’s a reminder of how much difference timely, appropriate action can make.

Fishing-related injuries are unfortunately common in the spring and summer.

Lead sinkers – once a popular choice for recreational fishing – have now been banned in many areas due to their lethal effects on waterfowl. But even non-toxic gear can be deadly when lost or discarded.

Please recognize the dangers of hooks and lines, and make every effort to retrieve any line lost to tree branches or brush.

Avoid casting close to edges where gear can easily become entangled. If you’re boating and see fishing line hanging from a tree that you can safely retrieve, please be a good neighbor and help clean it up.

Whether you’re fishing, paddling, or hiking, consider carrying a small bag and knife or scissors so you can help clean up along the way. These simple acts save lives!

Thank you for helping us protect wildlife like this gosling – and for doing your part to keep our shared environment safe for all who depend on it.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.