Two Naperville geese shot with arrow

The ever-prevalent Canada geese and their droppings certainly can be a nuisance, but that doesn’t allow you to shoot them.

Naperville police are reminding residents that annoyance is not grounds for using the geese as target practice. Twice since February, and most recently within the past week, geese have been shot with an arrow near Century Farm Park, 715 Sigmund Road.

The first call came on Feb. 23, and city animal control officials were able to treat the goose’s injury.

On May 7, the city received a similar call. The goose was located on May 12 and was euthanized because of the injuries it received from the arrow penetrating its wing and body.

Naperville Police Sgt. Gregg Bell said it appears both geese were shot with similar arrows. Police also believe the incidents occurred at or near Century Farm Park because the deceased goose would not have been able to fly with the injury sustained by the arrow.

Police say hunting and or trapping of any game animals is prohibited under city ordinance and Canada geese are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Act of 1918. That makes it illegal to harm or injure a goose; even moving its eggs or nest requires a federal permit. Violating this act can result in fines of $5,000 to $10,000.

Anyone with information regarding the attacks on either of these geese is asked to contact Naperville Animal Control at (630) 420-6178 or Crime Stoppers at (630) 420-6006.