Police are urging Richmond drivers to be extra vigilant over the next few weeks, after another flock of what’s believed to be snow geese was hit by a vehicle.
The Richmond News reported on Monday how around 20 of the migratory birds were found dead on Blundell Road - close to Blundell elementary at Gilbert Road – that morning.
And this morning, at around 5:40 a.m., a similar report was made to Richmond RCMP about an incident near No. 1 and Francis roads in west Richmond.
This time, the officers arrived to find three of the geese had been killed after apparently being struck by a vehicle.
The Mounties and City of Richmond crews were able to clear the roadway, and traffic warning signs have been set up in the area.
However, the RCMP said, at this time, there is “no evidence to suggest a criminal intent or a link between the two incidents.”
But they are asking drivers to take extra care at a time when the geese and other fowl are migrating to various waterways, often having to cross roads to get there.
“Every year at this time we see large numbers of migratory birds flocking to our local greenways, fields, parks and school grounds,” said Cpl. Ian Henderson of the Richmond.
“But they also move out onto nearby roadways. Drivers need to slow down and pay attention to the roadways, especially in poorly-lit areas and during the early morning hours.”
RCMP, BCSPCA probing snow geese deaths
Due to the large number of birds killed in the Monday incident, Richmond RCMP has been liaising with the BCSPCA and an investigation into the matter continues.
Anyone with information that may suggest something other than an accident is urged to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212.
Thousands of snow geese migrate to Richmond and the Lower Mainland every winter from the likes of Siberia and Alaska, often taking up temporary residence on Richmond’s sports fields and dikes.
