Elderly Woman Suffers Terribles Injuries After Being Attacked by Geese at Park

A 72-year-old woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after being attacked by geese at a park in Texas.

Lydia West was feeding ducks at City Lake Park in Royse City on December 1 when the frightening incident occurred, her son, David West, told CNN affiliate WFAA. The elderly woman, who often visited the park to feed the ducks, fell during the attack and sustained multiple injuries.

“She was feeding the little ducks, and large geese came up to her and started attacking the food, and she fell hard,” David said. “And she was trapped on the ground, unable to move.”

A couple at the park noticed Lydia and rushed to help, fighting off the geese and calling 911. She suffered several fractures in her pelvis and internal bleeding and was transported to a local trauma center for treatment.

“She’s very small in stature and has other health concerns,” David added. “She has a long road of physical therapy and learning how to walk again.”

City Lake Park officials told WFAA they are considering posting signs to educate visitors on how to safely share the space with wildlife, though they had not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment as of December 6.

David described the attack as shocking and hopes it serves as a warning to others. “It was a shock that the geese could even become that territorial and could hurt somebody,” he said. “Our main concern is being able to get a warning out there to the public, especially the senior community.”