When we say something is a “wild goose chase”, we usually mean it is impossible, a waste of time. But Billy Rios proved that wrong and gave this adult Canada Goose a second chance at life. A caller to the Wildlife Rescue League Helpline spotted the goose on a neighborhood pond with its beak and neck entangled in fishing line. Geese are difficult to catch. They are wary, always maintaining a clear line of sight for any threat. When something or someone suspicious approaches, they head to the water or fly off. And if they are caught, they use their powerful wings to beat the assailant and their sharp-edged beaks to bite, nip, and bruise. None of that deterred Billy.
The goose gave a good chase into the water. When Billy followed with a long extendable net, the goose flew out of sight. But Billy didn’t give up. He followed and found the goose on land at the edge of a pond where he was finally able to net and capture it. That persistence may have made all the difference for the goose. There was no time to lose. The monofilament line was wrapped around the goose’s neck, constricting it. Barbed hooks had caused serious injuries to the goose’s tongue and jaw. The goose was thin, weak and dirty from being unable to eat or preen its feathers.
Even so, this goose is lucky. It received the best care possible at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center – surgery to repair wounds, bathing to begin restoration of the feathers, and supportive care as it recovered. There are no guarantees. But the call to Wildlife Rescue League, Billy’s refusal to give up the chase, and care from wildlife veterinarians and licensed rehabilitators give this goose a chance of returning to its mate in time for the breeding season.
If you find an animal entangled in fishing line, capture the animal if you can, and contain it in a secure, well-ventilated, cardboard box with paper towels or newspaper on the bottom. Call a rehabilitator. DO NOT attempt to remove the line or any attached hooks. That should only be done by a licensed rehabilitator or veterinarian, often under anesthetic, to prevent causing further injury or stress. DO NOT bathe the animal to remove dirt or oil. Despite what you may have seen in TV ads, bathing is not as simple as shampooing the animal with dish soap. It requires a specific protocol with careful monitoring of temperature and stress.
Sadly, this goose’s experience is not unique. NOAA reports that more than 350 species have been entangled in marine debris. That includes all seven species of sea turtles, nearly one third of seabird species, and nearly forty percent of marine mammals, including seals, whales, otters, and even polar bears. Closer to home, Wildlife Center of Virginia has treated entanglement injuries in mallards, common loons, great blue herons, snapping turtles, bald eagles, barred owls, American robins, blue jays, eastern screech owls, osprey, and Virginia opossums in addition to Canada geese. And derelict fishing gear isn’t the only thing that snags animals in and around the water. The list is long and includes string from balloons and kites, face masks, plastic bags, six pack rings, and much more.
So, what can we do to prevent these horrific injuries?
- Cut fishing line (and other string) into small pieces and dispose of it in covered receptacles. If there are receptables on site specific to recycling fishing line, use them. If not, recommend that they be installed.
- Use biodegradable fishing line that does not have an indefinite lifespan in the wild.
- Do not release fish with hooks in them. Use hooks without barbs if doing catch and release.
- Inspect fishing gear often for weakness.
- Organize community clean-up events at popular fishing locations.
- Educate your community. Many people are not aware of the danger.
This goose has a second chance. By fishing responsibly, cleaning up trash, and calling for help when an animal is injured. You can make a difference.
Written by Liz Dennison
Liz Dennison has been working with birds of prey for more than 15 years as an educator, rehabilitator, and falconer. In 2016, Liz founded Secret Garden Birds and Bees to share her love of these amazing birds of prey and spread the word about the essential role they play in a healthy ecosystem. In 2025, Liz became a WRL Helpline volunteer and a writer for the Nutley News.
