Firefighters rescue entangled Canada goose from Mooney's Bay

A distressed Canada goose hasmuch to be thankfulfor this weekend after firefighters waded into the chilly waters ofMooney's Bay to rescue the entangled bird.

Ottawa Fire Services Capt. John Sobeysaid a concerned passerby called 311 when he spotted the goose flailing in the water, around 15 to 20 metres off shore.

The bird appeared to have become tangled in the guide wires that are normally used to keep birds away from the beach, he said.

Shortly afterward, the fire department'swater rescue team arrived at the scene. Two rescuers waded into the water to reach the bird.

"Fortunately, they were very successful," Sobeysaid. "They were able to cut the guidelines, cradle the goose and bring the goose back to shore."

'His goose isn't cooked'

Sobey said the goose appeared to be in good shape, though it was likely exhausted from its struggle in the water. Rescuers found the goose fairly docile and didn't have to sedate it.

"His goose isn't cooked," he said. "By all accounts, the goose looked fine."

The rescue team called Ottawa bylaw officers and volunteers from the Wild Bird Care Centre, who wrapped the goose in a blanket and took it to a veterinarian to make sure it wasn't injured.

While calls about wildlife do come in on occasion, Sobeysaid Saturday's rescue was an unusual one.

"I've been doing this 38 years.I've never had to rescue a goose," he said. "That's a first."