Mount Shasta, United States - January 12, 2025 A routine patrol by Mount Shasta Avalanche Center rangers took a surprising turn last month when they discovered an unprepared climber—who turned out to be a goose—at 10,000 feet on Mount Shasta. Rangers Nick Meyers and Eric Falconer were patrolling the Old Ski Bowl area when they encountered the wild bird, which had made its way up the mountain using a combination of flight and webbed feet. The goose was ill-prepared for the harsh conditions, wearing only a single down layer and lacking camping equipment for an overnight stay. The rangers quickly relocated the bird, offering it a descent to a nearby pond at lower elevations, before returning to their regular duties. While search and rescue operations are not routine for Mount Shasta rangers, the team is accustomed to unexpected situations during their winter patrols, which involve avalanche assessments and snow depth data collection. If you're planning to explore Mount Shasta, the Avalanche Center encourages visitors to be prepared for the unexpected and emphasizes responsible recreation practices. The center offers monthly avalanche awareness and hands-on beacon rescue training to help adventurers stay safe in the backcountry.