DAYTON, WA – A baby Canada goose is back where it belongs thanks to the efforts of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Officer Maletzke and support from the Walla Walla Police Department.

WDFW received a report that a gosling had been taken from the Touchet River and was being kept as a pet by individuals in Dayton. Officer Maletzke responded to the residence, where the gosling was voluntarily surrendered. The individuals were issued a warning for unlawful wildlife possession.

After determining that the gosling appeared healthy, Officer Maletzke reached out to Washington State University for guidance. University staff advised that the best outcome for the bird would be reintroduction into the wild—specifically into a group of goslings of similar age and size.

Officer Maletzke spent the evening searching local water access points in Columbia County but was unable to locate a suitable group. He then contacted a friend with the Walla Walla Police Department, who reported multiple goose families at Pioneer Park in Walla Walla.

Transporting the gosling to the park, Officer Maletzke attempted several introductions, initially resulting in the gosling chasing him back to his truck. Eventually, he successfully guided the bird into a group of similar-sized goslings. Returning to the park on his day off, Officer Maletzke confirmed that the young goose remained integrated with the flock.

WDFW reminds the public that wild animals should not be removed from their natural habitats, even if they appear to be abandoned. For information on what to do if you encounter baby wildlife this spring, click here.