Gosling Suffering Crossbow Injury Rescued in Fort Collins

The case of someone being in the right place at the right time happened in Fort Collins yesterday evening when the board president of the Northern Colorado Wildlife Center came across an animal in need of immediate assistance.

After a gosling with an injured wing was found on the west side of town, the rest of the wildlife rescue team responded to the scene at approximately 5 p.m.

Once the rescuers captured the baby bird, they discovered it had been shot by a crossbow. The team carefully removed the bolt and stopped the bleeding. The bird required emergency treatment as well, but is now in stable condition.

Following the rescue, the team returned to the area where the gosling was originally found, near Red Fox Meadows Natural Area and the Heatheridge Lake Condominium complex. The team searched for evidence and contacted local law enforcement regarding the incident.

Both local and state authorities are working on this case. The Northern Colorado Wildlife Center explains that many species in the region are protected by law and harming them is typically a felony. In this scenario, the gosling is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Hopefully, police are able to track down the person responsible for shooting the gosling. Fort Collins Police and CPW continue to investigate who committed this crime. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to email Michela@nocowildlife.org.

RELATED: A Lesson to Leave Wildlife Alone in Colorado, or Face a Felony

If you come across an injured animal while out and about in Fort Collins, always contact professionals like the NoCo Wildlife Center or Colorado Parks and Wildlife, so that they can step in and provide the proper care.