Royse City, Texas — A 72-year-old woman remains hospitalized after a surprising encounter with a flock of aggressive geese at City Lake Park, leaving her with serious injuries, including internal bleeding and a fractured pelvis.
Lydia West was engaged in her routine of feeding ducks at the park when she found herself confronted by a swarm of large geese that aggressively pecked at her. Her son, David West, reported that during the attack, Lydia lost her balance and fell hard onto the ground. Despite her attempts to escape, the geese continued to pursue her, trapping her and inflicting multiple injuries.
A couple passing through the park came to her aid, managing to intervene and remove the geese before calling for medical assistance. Lydia was initially treated at a local hospital but was later transferred to a trauma center in Dallas due to the severity of her injuries. “Doctors discovered she had several fractures on one side of her pelvis, as well as significant internal bleeding,” David said, outlining the extent of her injuries.
Given her age and pre-existing health conditions, West faces a challenging recovery, which will include extensive physical therapy to help her regain mobility. “She has a long road ahead,” David noted, reflecting on the situation.
The incident has left both Lydia and her family stunned. “For her, it was shocking to see such territorial behavior from geese,” David added, highlighting the unexpected nature of the attack. It appears the geese, particularly the domesticated Chinese breeds often spotted in the area, can exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel threatened.
David described receiving the news of the attack as surreal. “I received a call during work that my mother was being taken to the hospital because of a geese attack. It was something so unusual to process,” he said.
Despite the bizarre nature of the incident, reports suggest that aggressive behavior from geese is not unheard of, especially when they feel their territory is infringed upon. In communities where geese are common, residents are often cautioned about their unpredictable reactions.
As Lydia West continues her recovery, her family hopes to raise awareness about the potential dangers lurking in seemingly peaceful park settings. The unexpected nature of the attack serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in human-animal interactions, especially in urban parks.