The province is investigating a viral report of goslings stolen from their mother geese

The province is investigating a viral social media post about a Winnipeg woman stealing fish from her mother.

According to the report, a woman took two chicks from a mother goose in Transcona district of the city. A provincial spokeswoman confirmed conservation officers are investigating the complaint.

Zoe Nakata, executive director of the Wildlife Haven Recovery Center, said it was deeply disturbing.

According to him, the best place for baby animals is with their mother in their natural environment.

“Even in an urban area, even in what we think is very busy, in parking lots, parents know what to do,” he said. “They are experts, let them do their thing.”

Removing fish from their mother can have “strong” health effects, he said. He said the birds have weak wings and may lack nutrients. This may prevent them from migrating south.

Removing fish or geese can also have consequences for humans, he said.

“It's illegal to take any wildlife out of their natural habitat,” Nakata said, adding that geese are a federally protected species in Canada.

“If someone watching here takes a baby by mistake… bring it to Wildlife Haven. We won't ask any questions. I think we all want these babies to have the best chance at life.”

A provincial government spokeswoman said it was not possible to predict what the fine might be at this time. When asked what kind of punishment someone could face, a spokeswoman told CTV News it depends on the situation, and conservation officers are focused on wildfires right now.