Geese attack leaves 72-year-old woman hospitalized with broken pelvis, internal bleeding

ROYSE CITY, Texas (WFAA) – A 72-year-old woman in Texas was left hospitalized with several injuries after she was attacked by several geese.

David West, the woman’s son, said his mother regularly feeds the ducks at City Lake Park in Royse City.

But Monday morning, her routine went awry.

West said as his mother was feeding the ducks, large geese came up to her and started attacking her for the food.

The woman “fell hard,” her son said, and became trapped on the ground, unable to move as the birds attacked her.

A couple walking through the park witnessed the attack and helped get the geese off the woman. They also called 911.

The woman was taken to a Dallas trauma center. West said she has several breaks on one side of her pelvis, as well as internal bleeding.

“She has a long road of physical therapy and learning how to be able to walk,” West said.

He added, “It was a shock that the geese could even become that territorial and could hurt somebody.”

Officials say geese don’t intend to do harm, but if they get territorial, it can turn a walk in the park into a standoff.

The city’s parks and community programs manager confirmed the attack and said they’re considering putting up signs to help people better share the space with wildlife.

West agrees that there needs to be more warnings.

“One of our main concerns is being able to get a warning out there to the public, especially the senior community,” West said.