What started as a routine trip to feed ducks at City Lake Park turned terrifying for a 72-year-old Royse City woman, who is now in the hospital after a flock of geese chased her down and violently attacked, her family says. She was knocked to the ground during the incident on Monday and is facing a long road to recovery as she works to relearn how to walk.
Royse City resident Lydia West, whose family members often fed ducks at the park, was scattering food when a group of large geese moved in on the handout. The birds went after the food, knocked her over, and repeatedly pecked her as she tried to escape, her son David West told WFAA‑TV, according to the San Antonio Express-News. “She was trapped on the ground, unable to move,” he said. The family is speaking out to warn Royse City residents, especially older adults, to be extra careful around the park’s waterfowl.
Emergency crews treated West at the scene and took her to a nearby hospital before she was transferred to a trauma center in Dallas. There, doctors discovered two pelvic fractures and internal bleeding, NewsRadio 1080 KRLD reported. Her son says her small frame and existing medical issues made the injuries worse, and that she will need extensive physical therapy to learn how to walk again.
Royse City Officials Weigh New Warnings At City Lake Park
The city’s parks and community manager called the incident “uncommon” and said officials are considering new warning signs at City Lake Park to better inform visitors, according to the San Antonio Express-News. City leaders say they are reviewing possible safety measures and are urging residents not to feed the ducks and geese that gather around the park’s pond.
Feeding Geese Can Turn Birds Bold And Encounters Ugly
Hand‑feeding ducks and geese might feel harmless, but it can train the birds to lose their natural caution around people, pull large numbers of them into popular recreation spots, and increase the risk of aggressive run‑ins. Ducks Unlimited notes that feeding wild waterfowl can lead to habituation and even malnutrition. State wildlife agencies also report that “Do Not Feed Waterfowl” signs and public outreach are effective first steps in cutting down on conflicts, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
For now, the West family hopes the frightening episode will be a cautionary tale for others who frequent City Lake Park, particularly seniors and other vulnerable visitors. Parkgoers are being urged to keep a safe distance from ducks and geese, avoid feeding them, and report any aggressive animals to local authorities.
