Gamers among you may have played Untitled Goose Game, where you play as a goose and terrorize residents in a nearby town. But in one Florida neighborhood, residents are dealing with a very real feathered menace.
According to a report by Fox 4, a Muscovy duck with a big attitude has been intimidating residents of a Cape Coral neighborhood. It’s reportedly tried to enter houses and has bitten people. The bird’s antics have even allegedly sent a resident to the hospital.
James Sepulveda told Fox 4 he moved to the area in 1998. He said the ducks have always been around, but more frequently now. Sepulveda also recalled a time the bird attacked him. “I sit on my porch around 7 to 7:30 this time of the year to catch the sunset,” he explained. “I had my eyes closed. All of a sudden, I felt a jab on my hand, and it was bleeding.” He allowed the film crew into his home, where they caught the duck waiting by the front door on camera.
Another resident said that he tried to shoo the Muscovy duck away, but it spread its wings as if it were ready to attack.
Residents Cannot Afford To Remove The Duck
Fox 4 reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which told the outlet, “Muscovy ducks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. But the US Fish and Wildlife Services has issued a Control Order allowing the control of Muscovy ducks and their nests and eggs in areas outside their natural range.”
Per the FWC website, the organization does not remove nuisance Muscovy ducks. However, the animals can reportedly be removed by hired trappers provided the landowner consents. Sepulveda told Fox 4 that he’s on a fixed budget, which means hiring someone to do the job isn’t feasible.
There are conflicting reports online about the demeanor of Muscovy ducks. However, Critter Control explains that the birds are territorial. This trait can lead to them being aggressive to pets and humans alike. The outlet explains that Muscovy duck attacks are not uncommon. They typically use their wings, claws, and beaks to deter intruders.