A Canada goose nesting at A.D. Penner Park in Steinbach has been aggressively defending its nest, according to a local woman who was attacked while walking near the area.
Kimberly Sawatzky says she was walking near the soccer fields when the goose charged at her, flew over her head, and began pecking at her.
“I was trying to get to the ground to get away from it, but it was pretty angry,” she said.
Sawatzky notes it wasn’t until the next day that she realized the goose was protecting a nest nearby. Since then, she has noticed the bird remains in the same area and continues to guard the nest.
“'If a little kid goes too close, it could be dangerous,” she said.
Sawatzky is now warning others to keep a safe distance, especially young children who may not realize the potential danger.
Geese are known to become highly territorial when protecting their nests. Experts advise giving nesting geese plenty of space to avoid triggering aggressive behavior.
-With files from Carly Koop.