Okotoks firefighters were called in for a water rescue under fowl conditions Friday.
Around 10:30 a.m. Oct. 27, concerned resident spotted a Canada Goose appearing to be frozen to the surface of a Drake Landing-area storm pond and in distress, they alerted Okotoks Fire and Rescue (OFR).
"We were alled to one of the stormwater ponds for a goose that looked to be trapped in the ice," said OFR Deputy Chief Colin Sager.
After using a microdrone and verifying the migratory bird was in fact stuck, firefighters employed their water rescue equipment, including dry suits and an inflatable rescue boat.
When approached, the goose eventually came free from the ice in an effort to avoid the approaching firefighters, but appeared to be struggling to move or fly.
"We noticed it was unable to move, so we got the water rescue team to make it out to the goose, and it was either injured, partially stuck, and they were able to get ahold of the goose and bring it to shore," Sager said.
Believing it to be injured, the rescuers were able to pick up the goose and bring it ashore, where Okotoks Municipal Enforcement arrived with a kennel.
Given the name 'Maverick' by responders at the scene, the goose was taken to the Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE) clinic and given a heated blanket.
Veterinary staff believe it may have just been in shock from cold exposure, but the Alberta Institute For Wildlife Conservation will pick it up and assess Maverick for possible rehabilitation or release.
