California authorities trying to catch goose with arrow in its neck

Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Authorities in California said they are trying to help a goose with an arrow protruding from its neck, but the bird flies away every time they get close.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation said rangers at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park first noticed the goose with an arrow in its neck Dec. 1 and they have since made several unsuccessful attempts to capture it.

"The goose is fully functioning -- it eats and flies," department spokesman Terry Kanakri told the Daily Bulletin. "Every time someone comes close, it flies away."

Locals said they have sighted the goose on numerous occasions.

"I was shocked," local man Bob Dobbie told KABC-TV. "To see somebody would do that at this park here, or anywhere. I hope they catch the person, whoever did it."

"I could get within 5 to 6 feet," Dobbie said. "I don't know why anybody wasn't able to catch it yet but they sure need to."

Officials said the person who shot the goose, if identified, could face charges including animal cruelty, hunting out of season and hunting a protected species.