Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Canal Walk, Westover Hills
Common Name: Canadian Goose aka Sir Crapsabunch
Scientific Name: Branta canadensis
Average Length: 30 to 43 in
Average Wingspan: 50–73 in
Average Weight: 5.7–14.3 lb (males) 5.3–12.1 lb (females)

Quick Facts

• Contrary to its normal migration routine, large flocks of Canada geese have established permanent residence in Esquimalt, British Columbia and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, on Chesapeake Bay, in Virginia’s James River regions, and in the Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), and nearby Hillsborough.
• They are monogamous, and most couples stay together all of their lives.
• As soon as the goslings hatch, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming, and finding their own food (a diet similar to the adult geese).
• Although parents are hostile to unfamiliar geese, they may form groups of a number of goslings and a few adults, called crèches.
• Canada geese fly in a distinctive V-shaped flight formation, with an altitude of 1 km (3,000 feet) for migration flight. The maximum flight ceiling of Canada geese is unknown, but they have been reported at 9 km (29,000 feet).

Have a picture of a wild critter? Send it to [email protected] and it might end up as a Critter of the Week.

Midnight at Richmond SPCA

Midnight is a very affectionate and fluffy guy. He is looking for a forever home to call his own. He likes to put his paw on your leg when he wants you to pet him!

Midnight is currently in a foster home. If you’re interested in meeting him, please call the Assistant Manager of Adoptions, Teresa McCartney at 804-521-5378.

Age: 3 years,
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Black
Declawed: No
ID: 43248765

Adopt Midnight at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.