Senior Hospitalized After Goose Attack at City Lake Park
A 72 year old woman in Royse City was hospitalized after being attacked by a group of geese while feeding waterfowl at City Lake Park, sustaining multiple pelvic fractures and internal bleeding. The incident has prompted city parks staff and local officials to consider new warnings and safety measures to help residents, particularly seniors, safely share park space with wildlife.
A routine visit to City Lake Park ended in serious injury on December 4 when a 72 year old Royse City woman was attacked by multiple geese while feeding ducks. Witnesses intervened, called 911, and the woman was transported to a Dallas trauma center with several breaks on one side of her pelvis and internal bleeding. Her son, David West, said the woman routinely fed the ducks at the park and that on the morning of the attack several large geese became territorial, charged her and knocked her to the ground.
City parks staff confirmed the incident and stated they are considering signage and other warnings to alert visitors about aggressive waterfowl and safe ways to interact with wildlife. Local officials are weighing additional public safety actions aimed at preventing similar incidents, particularly among older residents who frequent the park.
The episode highlights a recurring public safety and wildlife management issue for municipal parks. Rockwall County parks attract residents who feed waterfowl, a practice that can habituate birds to human presence and increase territorial behavior during nesting season or when birds perceive a threat. Emergency responders were able to reach the scene and arrange transport to a trauma center, but the severity of the injuries underscores gaps in public awareness and the need for clearer park guidance.
Potential policy responses under consideration include posted warnings about feeding wildlife, targeted outreach for seniors and frequent park users, restrictions on feeding in certain areas, and signage that explains how to avoid confrontations. Any measures will involve coordination among parks staff, public safety officials, and county leadership to balance access to green space with visitor safety.
For residents, the incident is a reminder to exercise caution around wildlife and to report aggressive animals to authorities. As officials continue to evaluate options, changes to park rules and communication strategies may follow to reduce risk and protect vulnerable visitors who use City Lake Park for recreation and respite.
