He flew straight into a power line 😟
Last summer in Saskatoon, Canada, wildlife rehabilitator Danyelle Ravell spotted a goose in serious trouble. A length of fishing line was tightly wrapped around the bird’s leg, and Ravell knew she had to act quickly before it caused permanent damage.
She attempted to secure the goose in a net so she could safely cut the line away. But in the chaos, the frightened bird broke free — and what happened next made the situation far worse.
A Dangerous Tangle In Power Lines
As the goose flew off, he collided with live electrical cables.
Sparks flew when he hit the lines. Because the fishing line still dangled from his leg, it snagged onto the cables. The more he struggled, the tighter the trap became.
Soon, the goose was hanging upside down from the power line, unable to free himself.
Ravell watched in horror. She realized she couldn’t handle this rescue alone.
Power Company Steps In
Ravell contacted the local power company, and a team responded quickly. By the time they arrived, the goose had been suspended from the cable for several hours.
Using a crane, workers carefully reached the bird and detached him from the live wires. They lowered him safely to the ground and secured him in a crate.
It was an enormous relief. After hanging upside down for so long, Ravell had feared the worst.
A Long Road To Recovery
At the veterinary clinic, doctors discovered the goose had suffered a broken femur along with significant wounds around his leg from the fishing line and entanglement.
Ravell brought him back to her wildlife rehabilitation facility and began an intensive recovery plan. She named him Sparky, inspired by the sparks that flew when he struck the power lines.
At first, Sparky’s leg remained wrapped to allow the fractured bone to heal properly. Gradually, as the bone set, he began the slow process of learning to walk again.
Each step felt like a milestone.
Soon, he regained strength in the water. Then he practiced flying. Little by little, Sparky returned to being the strong, wild goose he once was.
Back Where He Belongs
After six weeks of dedicated care, Ravell knew the moment had come.
She carried Sparky to a safe release site near his flock. When she opened the enclosure, he didn’t hesitate. He swam straight toward a group of fellow geese.
They welcomed him back, and together they paddled away.
For Ravell, the sight was unforgettable — proof that even after a terrifying ordeal, resilience and teamwork can bring a wild animal home again.