Injured goose rescued at Independence Grove Forest Preserve
A Canada goose spotted at a Lake County forest preserve with a fish hook stuck in its side is getting medical care thanks to the intervention of a concerned local woman and wildlife conservationists.
The injured bird was captured Friday morning at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville.
It was rescued by Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, a volunteer group that aims to protect migratory birds from urban hazards, said Annette Prince, the organization's director.
The group had been told about the animal by Libertyville resident Candace Love, who saw the goose Thursday during a walk through Independence Grove.
"I saw him picking and licking at it," Love said. "I saw he did not open his wing so I knew he couldn't fly."
Lake County Forest Preserve District officials learned of the bird's plight last week and had been monitoring it, said Allison Frederick, an environmental communications specialist with the district.
Although the goose was injured, it was eating and swimming normally, Frederick said.
Lake County animal control officials indicated they likely wouldn't take action unless the bird was in more significant trouble, Frederick said.
Wanting to do something, Love called several animal welfare groups for assistance.
"I refused to let this poor goose suffer," she said.
Chicago Bird Collision Monitors responded and safely nabbed the bird.
The rescuers discovered the triple-barbed hook was stuck in the goose's body and also had torn its wing.
The goose was brought to the Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elburn for treatment.
"When it recovers from its injuries, we hope it can return to Independence Grove," Prince said.
Love was happy the bird could be helped.
"People come to (Independence Grove) and love seeing them, so we should take care of them," she said. "We do have responsibility to these animals."