Milton man accused of striking Canada goose with a sign

A Milton man has been accused of harassing a Canada goose nesting outside a bank twice in two days near the Milton-Edgewood area.

On April 8, a suspect was reportedly seen picking up the goose, and officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate a suspect, according to KING 5.

The next morning at approximately 8:10 a.m., the suspect had returned. Witnesses reported that the man struck the goose with a metal sign, which was placed nearby to warn others about leaving the goose alone.

A bank employee also witnessed the incident and contacted law enforcement. The suspect was again able to flee the scene before officers arrived.

Milton suspect arrested after returning to area, making obscene gestures at security camera

Later in the day on April 9, the suspect was seen at a nearby coffee shop making lewd gestures at a security camera. Police responded and began searching the area for the suspect. Officers eventually found the suspect near Camp Edgewood, and he was taken into custody without further incident.

A nearby resident, Lori Pacchiano, noted that this was not the first instance where the goose had been harassed. Several weeks prior, a group of teens allegedly threw rocks at the goose and attempted to steal her egg, according to KIRO 7.

Pacchiano noted the goose returns annually and has set up her nest at the shopping plaza near KeyBank, Safeway, and Grocery Outlet, where she is currently incubating her eggs.

The community has now put a concerted effort into protecting the mother goose in case someone else attempts to harass her again. Residents frequently check in on the goose throughout the day to ensure her safety.

One resident placed a sign nearby to highlight that Canada geese are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, harass, or disturb the birds, nests, or eggs.

A violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act can result in federal fines or penalties, criminal charges, and additional consequences under Washington’s animal cruelty laws.

The Edgewood Police Department (EPD) also urged others to leave the mother goose alone, as she’s busy hatching her eggs.

“Remember to be kind. And if you just can’t help yourself, know there’s a camera pointed right at mama goose and her nest,” EPD stated.

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