Letter: Goose attack led to hospitalization

Regarding the May 12 letter 'Suggested killing of geese is appalling” by Margaret Kolash:

While I agree that slaughter is a drastic step in their control, the growing goose population is a problem. Let me share my story.

In May, four years ago, I was biking past some geese that had claimed some Coralville ponds as their home base. I was riding along on a bike path/sidewalk and the closest geese were about 15 feet away from me. Suddenly, a goose - unprovoked - began flapping its wings and charged. It attacked me, causing me to lose control of my bike. I fell and suffered injuries (two broken ribs, collapsed lung, suspected ruptured (but only bruised) spleen and broken hand) that required three days hospitalization. As I lay sprawled on the sidewalk under my bike, the goose charged me again. This time, motorists who had witnessed the attack stopped in the street and rushed to my aid. They fended off the goose.

When friends near and far heard about my encounter with the goose, I began receiving horrifying stories. One involved a kayaker in northern Illinois who was attacked by a goose. The kayak capsized and he drowned. Kolash shares that she has witnessed a mother with her children observing these 'graceful” creatures. The mother should be aware that with no warning, the geese might attack.

Geese are far from docile. They can be mean. Take it from an innocent who has experienced their wrath.

Marlene Janssen

Coralville