‘Illegal and cruel’: Canada goose rescued after being impaled by arrow

A goose that was shot with a target arrow was rescued in West Vancouver, B.C., on May 24, 2026. (Credit: BC Wildlife Response Team)

A goose shot with a target arrow was rescued in West Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, and is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the projectile.

The bird was found with its mate and two goslings, the B.C. Wildlife Response Team said in a statement, adding that the “illegal and cruel” incident is under investigation by conservation officers.

Rescuers waded into the pond where the goose was spotted, captured it with a large net and transferred it to a rescue centre where it was stabilized before being transferred to a veterinarian who will perform the surgery.

The case is “eerily similar” to one last year out of Squamish, the rescue group said.

In that instance, the goose was tracked by locals for months before a successful capture.

Read more: Months-long goose chase in Squamish, B.C., after bird shot by arrow

The bird, named Wilson, had successful surgery and was released back into the wild nearly six months later.

Read more: Canada goose struck by arrow in B.C. last year finally released back into wild