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  • “Single” Goose After Road Incident?

    Question

    There’s a geese who recently lost its regular partner to a road incident. It has been exhibiting different behaviors and sleeping in places where it could possibly be hit. I feel like it’s depressed and could use a better location or some friends. Is it possible to relocate. This geese is now alone.

    Naturalist's Response

    A Canada goose swimming at Walter C Best preserve, photo by Tom Elesh

    A Canada goose swimming at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve; photo by Tom Elesh.

    Canada Geese are typically monogamous; they’ll stay with the same mate (and even the same nesting site) for years. However, if a partner is lost, the surviving mate will usually find a new partner by the next nesting season.

    Wild geese are generally hardy souls. Over the centuries, they’ve learned to contend with predators, disease, injuries, and even vehicle collisions. The loss of a mate is typically only a temporary setback. Your goose should be able to swim, waddle, or fly its way back into the company of other geese as soon as it’s ready.

    -Naturalist Chris Mentrek