On March 31, the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Foundation placed an urgent call for assistance to Erie Wildlife Rescue (EWR).

A local Kingsville resident had called Jack Miner staff to inform them that a Canada Goose was caught in a leg-hold trap. The goose was found near a creek running through a residential neighbourhood.

The team from Jack Miner was the first to respond. They freed the goose from the trap and transported it to EWR for immediate treatment.

While there were no fractures to its leg, the goose suffered from significant blood loss, tissue damage and had exposed bone.

After being stabilized at EWR overnight, the bird was then transferred to a local veterinarian for assessment.

The goose, referred to as “Patient 027”, is now back at EWR where it faces a long road to recovery. EWR is providing daily dressing changes, antibiotics and pain medication and will continue to care for the bird to give it the best chance at healing.

The leg-hold trap that injured this goose is illegal to use on waterfowl in Canada and causes immense suffering and death to animals who become ensnared in it.

However, it is legally used to trap or kill animals that are considered a nuisance, such as beavers, as well as trapping and killing animals for their fur.

When reached for comment the Town of Kingsville confirmed that the trap was on municipally-owned land and that these traps are used as standard practice to keep municipal drains free flowing.

A licensed trapper has been contracted by the town to carry out this work.

In this case the town confirmed that the trapper received a motion sensor alert and was en route to remove the goose from the trap but nearby property owners arrived first.

However, it is suspected that the bird was in the trap for an extended period due to the secondary injuries sustained on its wings which likely occurred as it repeatedly attempted to escape the trap.

Trapping is a provincially-regulated activity however there are no requirements for warning signs in areas where traps have been placed.

Additionally, there is a lack of education about non-lethal alternatives which leaves wild animals and even domestic pets at risk of immense suffering and even death if they encounter this trap.

The Fur-Bearers, a national registered charity established in 1953 that works to protect fur-bearing animals through conservation, advocacy, research and education became aware of this incident and are taking proactive steps to address it.

When reached for comment, The Fur-Bearers Executive Director Lesley Fox confirmed that she has reached out to the Mayor and Town Council.

She has requested a meeting to discuss humane, non-lethal approaches to managing local wildlife, particularly beaver activity.

She also confirmed that many communities across Canada are adopting alternatives that protect infrastructure while also promoting coexistence with wildlife.

For more information on The Fur-Bearers, please visit their website at thefurbearers.com You can also find them on: Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

For more information or to make a donation to support this Canada Goose, please visit Erie Wildlife Rescue at eriewildliferescue.ca.

In addition to financial donations, Erie Wildlife Rescue also needs supplies.  Click here to see their wish list.

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