January 05, 2025
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Yorkville police investigate dead geese found on Fox River

State officials urge reporting sightings of 5 or more dead waterfowl

By Joey Weslo
After multiple dead Canada Geese washed up on the banks of the Fox River in Yorkville authorities determined a hunter was the culprit not the highly contagious avian influenza virus.

After multiple dead Canada geese washed up on the banks of the Fox River in Yorkville, authorities determined a hunter was the culprit not the highly contagious avian influenza virus. (Provided by Chuck Roberts)

After public sightings of a suspicious number of dead geese along the Fox River, the Yorkville Police Department said they do not appear to be related to recent cases of avian influenza throughout the state.

A citizen tip indicated dead Canada Geese were washing up on shore beneath the dam near downtown Yorkville. The citizen contacted authorities because avian influenza can be highly contagious, spreading to both other waterfowl, humans and dogs that come in contact with dead or sick birds, and transferred to predators feeding on the carcasses, like bald eagles.

Yorkville Deputy Chief of Police Garett Carlyle said the case was closed.

“According to the responding officer, the geese appeared to be shot by hunters on the river and were not recovered due to the current washing them downstream,” Carlyle said. “We’ve had no additional reports of dead or injured geese.”

Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated specific waterfowl blind locations on the Fox River in Kendall County.

When reached for comment, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said they could provide no further updates, but stressed the importance of remaining vigilant for possible cases of avian influenza and precautionary when near sick or dead waterfowl.

The IDNR is currently monitoring several large events of waterfowl deaths throughout the state, with test results revealing highly pathogenic avian influenza to be the culprit.

The department said any member of the public witnessing five or more deceased birds at one location should contact IDNR district wildlife biologists immediately.

The IDNR referred to a public statement saying the public should not handle or attempt to capture waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness. They warned to keep dogs and other pets away from potentially inflicted birds.

Department officials say in the statement that if bird carcasses need to be disposed of, they recommend using disposable waterproof gloves and an inverted plastic bag to pick up the dead birds. They said to then double the plastic bag and to dispose of it in a trash where it cannot be accessed by children or animals. They also recommend using safety goggles and an N95 mask for extra safety precaution.

The statement recommends anybody exhibiting flu-like symptoms after coming in contact with a sick or dead bird to contact their local health department immediately. People can get on antiviral medications, but the treatment must be started within two days of the illness to be most effective.