Canada geese are big water birds. You find them a lot around here on golf courses and lakes. People sometimes find them annoying, but they are pretty incredible. They are migratory birds and can fly 1,500 miles in 24 hours. They migrate in the spring and fall and return to the place they were born for nesting and mating.
Federal laws protect Canada geese. It is illegal in the United States to harm them or their nests.
One of the biggest problems affecting wildlife, and definitely water birds, is fishing line. It gets caught in their feet, wings and beaks, and they obviously can’t get it off. In most situations, it will lead to their death, often having to be humanely euthanized.
My friend, Keeton Nelson, came out with me and one of the founders of Georgia Wildlife Network (my interview with both founders will be in next month’s column) to try to help injured geese.
“I love going out and helping my friend and his mom on animal rescue missions,” Keeton said. “I love the scenery, the intensity and being able to help nature. Except last time, it was different. We found a goose caught up in fishing line, badly injured. As a fisherman myself, this hits me hard because of the fact that fishing line can do so much damage to animal life, and people just leave it out.”
My mom walks around the lake at our golf course and picks up a lot of fishing line. If there is one thing you do this summer, please don’t leave fishing line laying around.
– Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
Rob’s Rescues
These animals are waiting for homes at Cobb County Animal Services.
This small black and gray schnauzer’s tag number is 635098. She is a stray and is 3 years old. She is a very scruffy dog and would love a nice and loving family. She also would like a grooming.
This cat’s name is Cam. He is a large black cat that is about 4 years old. He is a stray. He would be a great cat for any family because he is sweet and gentle.
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