Over 20 wild geese found dead on Richmond roadways

Warning: The end of this story contains a graphic image

Richmond resident Brandie Mol said she was shocked to find 20 dead snow geese when she was heading to work on Monday.

"It was just very overwhelming to process all of it first thing on a Monday morning," she said.

She took photos of the disturbing scene and said she's never seen anything like it.

"I don't see how – unless you were driving with complete undue care – I don't know how you wouldn't see that many animals that were going to be hit," Mol said.

It was one of two incidents this week in which a number of geese were struck in the city, and Mounties in Richmond are now urging drivers to use caution.

"(It's) not nice to see," said Cpl. Ian Henderson of Richmond RCMP.

In a news release, police said Wednesday morning at 5:40 a.m. officers received a report of a large flock of geese on the roadway near the intersection of No. 1 and Francis roads.

Once officers arrived on scene, they discovered three of the geese had been killed after apparently being struck by a vehicle.

Traffic warning signs have since been set up in the area.

Around 7:20 a.m. on Monday, officers received a report about the 20 dead snow geese Mol had photographed in the 6200 block of Blundell Road.

“Initial investigation suggests that the geese had been driven over by a vehicle,” Cpl. Ian Henderson said in the release.

As a result of the incidents, police are urging drivers to use caution when out on the roads, especially during the mornings when it's still dark out.

“Every year at this time we see large numbers of migratory birds flocking to our local greenways, fields, parks and school grounds. But they also move out onto nearby roadways,” Henderson added. “Drivers need to slow down and pay attention to the roadways, especially in poorly lit areas and during the early morning hours.”

Richmond RCMP say there's no evidence to link the two incidents or to suggest this is criminal.

"Our investigation suggests these are accidents. There's no evidence to suggest intentional hitting of the birds; however, the first incident, because there were so many, we have consulted with the BC SPCA," said Henderson.

"(It's) absolutely devastating. It's an important reminder that we're sharing this world with wild animals," said Andrea Wallace of BC SPCA.

She said snow geese are migratory birds and they flock and rest together in big groups, which sometimes makes them vulnerable to getting hit by cars.

"It is unusual to see so many animals getting hit by cars all at the same time or in quick succession," she said. "It is not uncommon for animals to get hit by cars. That is one of the main reasons that wild animals are admitted to rehabilitation centres."

Wallace urges drivers to slow down and give space and time to wildlife to cross the roads.