Geese shot with blowdarts Greeley, CO (US) Incident Date: Friday, Oct 14, 2005 County: Weld Local Map: available Disposition: Open Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help! Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 5725 Classification: Shooting Animal: bird (wildlife) View more cases in CO (US) Reward: $2,500 Login to Watch this Case

At Glenmere Park, six geese have been found with blowgun darts protruding from their bodies or heads, and another two were found at Sanborn Park in west Greeley. On Friday, Oct 14 two more geese at Glenmere were found with the six-inch, needlelike darts sticking through their heads.

Colorado Division of Wildlife district manager Larry Rogstad said the dart usually won't kill a goose, but it can be painful.

"In many cases, the dart will eventually fall out on its own, or the goose might be able to pull it out," he said. "Of course, if the darts penetrate too deeply or hit a vital organ, they can be deadly."

At Glenmere, one of the geese has a dart that penetrated its face crosswise.

The dart went through the goose's head just above the bill and below the eyes,

The feathers of the dart are bunched up on one side of the bill, with the long needle coming out the other side.

Rogstad said he has tried to catch the wounded geese, but it's difficult. "You don't want to injure them, and they don't let you get too close."

Betty Jones, who lives next to Glenmere Lake, said she's seen the injured geese, but she doesn't believe they're being shot while they're at Glenmere.

"Most of the geese take off at night and go somewhere else, then come back in the mornings. Maybe they were shot when they were out sleeping somewhere."

Rogstad said they need help in catching the "cruel and inhumane" people who are shooting the geese.

He said in addition to animal cruelty charges, the shooter or shooters could also be charged with using an illegal weapon inside the city.

Blowguns and the darts can be purchased at some sporting goods stores. Anyone who can capture an injured goose is asked to call Rogstad at 352-2143, or take it to the West Ridge Animal Hospital, 6525 28th St. in Greeley.

If the blowgun users are known or are seen, call the police at 350-9600.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Colorado Division of Wildlife Officer Larry Rogstad
(970) 352-2143

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References

Greeley Tribune - Oct 15, 2005

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