Goose still flying, months after being skewered by arrow

In this photo taken Aug. 24, 2015 and provided by Trevor Nichols, a Canadian goose, with an arrow piercing its neck, is seen behind Nichols apartment in Kingsport, Tenn. Over the past four months, the goose has elicited gasps, pity and multiple calls to authorities as it walks the streets, and flies the skies, with an arrow through its neck. Considering the circumstances, officials say it seems to be relatively fine, and at this point interfering could do more harm than good. (Trevor Nichols via AP) In this photo taken Aug. 24, 2015 and provided by Trevor Nichols, a Canadian goose, with an arrow piercing its neck, is seen behind Nichols apartment in Kingsport, Tenn. Over the past four months, the goose has elicited gasps, pity and multiple calls to authorities as it walks the streets, and flies the skies, with an arrow through its neck. Considering the circumstances, officials say it seems to be relatively fine, and at this point interfering could do more harm than good. (Trevor Nichols via AP)

By Associated Press November 29, 2015 4 min read

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (AP) – The abundance of geese that frequent the banks of the Holston River can easily blend into the background of the Model City.

But over the past four months, one Canada goose has elicited gasps, pity and multiple calls to authorities as it walks the streets – and flies the skies – with an arrow through its neck.

Considering the circumstances, officials say it seems to be relatively fine, and at this point interfering could do more harm than good.

During their commute to work at Holston Valley Medical Center, co-workers Theresa Gilliam and Sandra Donihe have seen the goose multiple times. On one occasion, Donihe snapped photos with her phone.

“I was like, ‘Poor pitiful goose,’ ” said Donihe of spotting the animal on Sept. 10. “It was standing out there with all the others, doing its thing.”