A man is wanted for a brutal act of animal abuse in Virginia Beach, where authorities say he beat a Canada goose with a curtain rod, killing the bird in front of its mate.

The attack occurred on the evening of April 3 near a business complex on Business Park Drive. Witnesses say the man repeatedly struck the male goose until it lay limp on the pavement. The female, its lifelong partner, stood nearby, watching.

Wildlife responders from Tidewater Wildlife Rescue arrived to find the goose barely alive. Despite emergency care and transport to a veterinary clinic, the animal died during anesthesia. “He sadly lost his life to cardiac arrest while being put under anesthesia at the vet,” the group said in a statement shared on Facebook.

Federal Crime, Ongoing Investigation

Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Harming them is a federal offense. The case has now been turned over to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Wildlife Crime Division for further investigation, 13News Now reports.

The assailant has not been identified or arrested. Authorities are asking the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Anonymous tips can be submitted through their official wildlife violation page.

A man is wanted for killing a Canada goose with a curtain rod.

A Prepared Attack

Meredith Broadhurst, president of Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge, believes the suspect came ready to harm. “To have a person have a weapon in their hand … it tells me he was already prepared to do what he did,” she told FOX8. The object used was a shower curtain rod.

Though geese can be aggressive during nesting season, Broadhurst says that’s no excuse for violence. “There are other ways to handle the situation than beat an animal to death,” said a representative from Tidewater Wildlife Rescue, according to WTKR.

Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge had been contacted shortly after the incident in an effort to save the bird. Volunteers say they tried everything they could, but the goose didn’t make it. His mate stayed nearby during the ordeal.

A Lonely Future for the Survivor

Geese typically mate for life. When one dies, the surviving partner often mourns deeply. “She’s sitting there mourning for her mate,” Broadhurst told FOX8. “They take turns on the nest when the eggs hatch, they walk together, guarding the babies.”

Now, the female will have to finish the season alone.

Wildlife experts are reminding the public to contact rescue organizations or conservation police if they experience issues with nesting birds. “Education and resources could have prevented the death,” said Broadhurst.

The Department of Wildlife Resources continues to investigate.