If you go to Fordham you likely know about the menacing goose that seems quite fond of attacking passersby…and if you don’t, well, consider this a warning.
The goose seemingly has taken up residence on the corner of Martyrs’ Lawn in between Martyrs’ Court Jogues and Collins Hall, according to Kari White, Culture Editor for The Fordham Ram, who says numerous reports cite that the “belligerent goose” is causing students “physical and mental abuse” by way of its wings.
Those who didn’t originally know about the goose sure became aware of it after a video recorded by Violet Marshall, a student at Fordham, went viral on TikTok.
“Goose On The Loose” by Dan Bull plays as various clips of students walking–and sometimes running–past the goose before the bird begins to run after them are stitched together.
“I began to hear some screaming outside my window and soon realized people were getting attacked by a goose. I knew I had to film it because it was too funny, but as it started to get more serious, I also wanted people to be aware,” Marshall stated to White.
As for why the goose has decided to take up residence at Fordham–no one knows for sure. However, some people do have some suspicions.
According to White, Instagram user @elizabethworsham suspects “there’s a nest somewhere nearby,” which would definitely explain the goose’s violent (or most likely just protective) behavior. According to wildlifehelp.org, “geese can be particularly aggressive during the nesting season in the spring and after their goslings hatch,” and nesting season occurs from mid-March through late April.
The goose may simply just be trying to protect their babies, and us humans approaching too close to their nest can, rightfully so, cause the goose to become protective.
Regardless, the goose is still making students uneasy. According to White, Mike Smallenberger, a student at Fordham, stated, “As I walked past Martyrs I noticed the beast with hatred in its eyes. It flew after me with murderous intentions. I luckily escaped the encounter with my life, but I know not everyone lives to tell the tale.”
Some students are defending the bird, however, such as Nicole St. Jacques who reportedly stated, “I think the goose is awesome and has every right to defend its family. I think we should consider how this land probably was filled with geese before Fordham and he’s reclaiming the space.”
Either way, we think it’s safe to assume the goose will remain put at least until the end of this month when nesting season comes to an end.
Our advice: if you go to Fordham, or find yourself on Fordham’s campus, try to avoid the corner of Martyrs’ Lawn as much as you can!
UPDATE: The goose has apparently been taken away by animal control, according to the Instagram account @fordumbuniversity.