A lonely bird is breaking hearts in Esperance on Western Australia's south coast.
For more than three weeks, the Cape Barren goose has been returning every day to the scene where it tragically lost its mate, and many believe it is grief-stricken.
But concern is growing that the remaining goose risks meeting a similar fate to its partner, whose death was reported to police for investigation.
A Christmas tragedy
In early December, the Cape Barren goose arrived in Esperance with its partner to the delight of many residents.
According to BirdLife Australia, the species is monogamous and forms life-long bonds and, like an old married couple, the pair were often seen wandering the town's foreshore together.
But just after Christmas, tragedy struck.
One of the geese was found dead near one of the town's main roundabouts, across the road from the Pier Hotel.
Some suspected the bird had been hit by a car and said they saw tyre marks leading off the road onto the grassed area where it was found.
But according to police, the local vet found no evidence of external trauma that would explain the bird's death.
A police spokesperson said investigations were unable to establish any criminality with regards to the death.
"I saw the tyre marks on the lawn because I drive past there every day," Esperance resident Jan Archer said.
"I was hoping that someone would be found responsible for doing it."
As the species is listed as vulnerable, the penalty for killing one could be as high as $200,000.
'It breaks my heart'
While it is believed the lone goose may go to Esperance's nearby islands at night, every day it returns to the site where its mate died.
"It's so sad, I drive past every day and get a lump in [my] throat," one resident wrote on Facebook.
"Seeing the partner all alone breaks my heart," another said.
Fears for survivor
Cape Barren geese are important to the Esperance community and feature in murals and logos throughout the town.
The location where the goose died is just across the road from The Loose Goose Bar and Restaurant.
The predicament of the surviving goose is now the talk of the town and some residents, like Jane Coole, believe its place of mourning is dangerously close to the road.
Although the Shire of Esperance has put up warning signs to alert drivers to the goose's presence, Ms Coole believes authorities could try moving it.
"It's a bit too close to the road and it is fairly risky.
"I've seen a few Instagram posts of people filming it … but sort of chasing it, which is not ideal. It's really in the busiest spot in town."
'It would potentially return to the area'
Perth bird enthusiast Geoff Groom came to Esperance to see a Cape Barren goose last year.
He did not believe the remaining bird's behaviour was unusual, but agreed it was risky.
But the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions believes any effort to relocate the bird would only cause it more stress.
"Relocating the goose is not an option as catching and transporting it would likely cause significant stress to the bird and, as they are highly mobile, it would potentially return to the area," a spokesperson said.
She asked the public not to approach the goose as that may cause it further stress or injury.
Anyone who comes across sick or injured native animals is asked to call the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.
