News Summary
A Canada goose named Pete was successfully rescued after an arrow was found lodged in his neck in Carteret County, NC. Local wildlife officials monitored the goose until he could be captured. Following medical treatment, Pete made a swift recovery and was released back into the wild, reuniting joyfully with his mate. This incident highlights important concerns about wildlife safety and conservation efforts in the region.
Canada Goose Rescued After Arrow Lodged in Neck Successfully Released Back into the Wild in North Carolina
A Canada goose, affectionately named “Pete”, has made a successful return to the wild after being recovered from an injury caused by a non-hunting arrow lodged in his neck. The incident took place in Carteret County, NC, where local residents reported sighting the injured bird in early May.
The arrow, classified as a non-hunting arrow or target arrow, is specifically designed for practice and target shooting rather than for hunting, raising concerns among wildlife officials regarding the circumstances leading to Pete’s injury. Although community members from the Bogue Pines and Whispering Pines Mobile Home Communities made over a dozen attempts to capture the injured goose, Pete managed to evade their efforts despite his condition.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, alongside the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter Shorebird Rescue Team and Carteret County Animal Control, spearheaded a coordinated rescue initiative to assist the distressed goose. During the time leading up to Pete’s capture, he was closely monitored for signs of lethargy and potential risk of infection resulting from the arrow’s presence.
Rescue Efforts and Recovery
Rescue operations were temporarily paused until June, coinciding with the start of Pete’s molting period. This critical phase restricted his flying abilities, making him easier to capture. On June 18, a collaborative effort involving various wildlife organizations and local volunteers succeeded in capturing Pete.
Following his capture, the arrow was safely extracted during a medical treatment session at the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport. The veterinary team provided necessary antibiotics and implemented proper wound care, facilitating a swift recovery for Pete. Within just six days, on June 24, he was released back into the wild, where he joyfully reunited with his mate, who had been observed cheering him on from a nearby pond.
Legal Protections and Investigation
This incident highlights the legal protections in place for Canada geese across the United States under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits the capture or killing of these birds without requisite permission. As such, the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pete’s injury remains a priority, focusing on establishing whether the injury was the result of an accident or an intentional act, although no suspect has been identified as of yet.
A Community Effort
The story of Pete has not only captured the attention of local residents but has also shed light on crucial issues surrounding wildlife conservation and the protection status of certain species. The coordinated actions of community members and wildlife organizations emphasize the importance of collective effort in addressing wildlife health and safety concerns. Pete’s recovery and successful release serve as a reminder of the vital role that local communities play in wildlife conservation.
As investigations continue and awareness grows, residents of Carteret County and beyond remain vigilant regarding the treatment of wildlife, underscoring a collective commitment to maintaining safe habitats for cherished species.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Cool Down
- WITN News
- Wikipedia: Canada Goose
- Google Search: Wildlife Conservation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Canada Goose
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
