An Ottawa cyclist is recovering after suffering surprisingly serious injuries in an attack involving a Canada goose.

Ottawa cyclist survives serious goose attack

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Cheryl Santa Maria

Digital Reporter

Wednesday, June 25, 2014, 7:38 PM - An Ottawa cyclist is recovering after suffering surprisingly serious injuries in an attack involving a Canada goose.

According to the CBC, Kerry Surman was riding her bike on the Trans Canada Trail earlier this month when a family of geese crossed the path ahead of her.

Surman thought the coast was clear so she continued on her way.

“I think, ‘they’re going to be protective but I’m just going to zip by because they’ve all gone by,'" she told the CBC, "but I misjudged how quickly I was going. They thought that I was threatening them and the goose attacked me as I was riding my bike ... the last thing I remember is the wings came around my face, and I hear myself screaming and then I’m out.”

When Surman regained consciousness she made her way to the main road where she was able to flag down a Pastor who called for help.

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Surman spent about five days in the hospital with a concussion, loose teeth, lacerations to her face and a fractured cheekbone.

She says it could have been worse had she not been wearing a helmet.

"There was insult added to this injury,” she told CTV.

“After being taken down by the goose I managed to land in some poison ivy on the trail.”



Officials say that Canada goose attacks aren't unheard of, especially this time of year.

Adult geese can become territorial and protective when caring for their young.