By: C.A. PRINTUP
Look up at the sky, it’s a bird! It’s a plane! Nope, it’s just an overprotective goose.
River Cross Housing sent out an email last week for students to avoid using the west wing (laundry room side) door of the community building.
The email, which was sent out by residence coordinator Jacob Zell, reads “We are approaching geese mating season, and with [that] being said there is an overprotective goose that is by that door. We have made contact with the university to get the nesting goose relocated.”
Director of Facilities, Michael Prater said, “The goose as of the 28 of March is still out there. We have had conversations with an animal control contractor. The mother goose has laid some eggs and she is sitting on the eggs currently.”
When asked why the geese would nest somewhere so close to humans, Prater said, “They feel emboldened during mating season and they will go anywhere that isn’t on the beaten path. She is right underneath the dryer vents from the laundry.
Housing notified campus Facilities last week about the goose, and Facilities then contacted Animal Control. Animal Control then contacted the State because anything that IU South Bend has to do about the geese has to go through DNR (Department of Natural Resources).
IU South Bend normally has to deal with one or two protective geese a year, however, this is the first time students are being notified about it as it is so close to where students normally go.
As of March 28, there have been no reported goose attacks.
According to OhioGeeseControl.com, if a goose does attack you, you should stare down your attacker as the goose will perceive you as a threat. You should also back away slowly and do not turn your back or stop looking at the goose. They also recommend that you do not act hostile and try to remain neutral in your demeanor. The website recommends that if the goose flies towards your face “duck or move away at a 90-degree angle to the direction of the flight still facing the attacking goose.”
In the housing email, Zell encouraged students that if they notice an overly protective goose, “please reach out to the housing staff or email us with the details at living@iusb.edu.”
