Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
Last Wednesday, Ilana Block was at Montreal's Botanical Garden snapping pictures of warblers during the peak of the migrating season when she heard a commotion in the water several feet away.
A Canada goose was thrashing about, defending itself from a small fox that had the bird's neck in its mouth.
A fox faces off with a Canada Goose at the Montreal Botanical Garden on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Source: Ilana Block)
Not wanting to interrupt Mother Nature, she covertly dashed over to the dramatic scene using the trees to cover herself from their view and get a better glimpse of the brawl. Then, she took out her camera and started shooting.
"It was unbelievable. The fox kept going after the goose and the goose was flapping and hitting it. The fox was limping at one point because the goose is way bigger than the fox. It was crazy and the fox would just go and lie in the grass and wait and watch and then it would go after the goose again," she recounted in an interview on Tuesday.
Canada geese are often preyed upon by foxes, coyotes, eagles and other animals. Block said the goose put up a tough fight — it was screaming at the four-legged predator, causing it to keep its tail between its legs.
The fox finally gave up and went on to hunt a much smaller prey: a squirrel.
"It was quite a fascinating interaction. It's really amazing," Block said.
She shared a video of the wild encounter on her Facebook page on Tuesday.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Parts of Canada could see the Northern Lights on New Year's Eve. Here's where you could see
While fireworks have become a popular way to celebrate the arrival of the new year, many Canadians could be treated to a much larger light display across the night sky.
Ottawa family returns home after chaotic Costa Rica trip
After spending almost 48 hours longer than intended in Costa Rica, the Sachs family has finally returned home.
'Dangerous person alert' ended as police locate dead suspect in Calgary double murder
The suspect in a double homicide that took place in Calgary on Sunday night has been discovered dead by police.
More than US$12M worth of jewelry and Hermes bags stolen from U.K. home
Police are searching for a burglar who stole more than £10 million ($12.5 million) worth of bespoke jewelry in north-west London in what is thought to be one of the biggest thefts from a British home.
Border agents seize $2M worth of cocaine bound for Canada at Coutts
Authorities at the Coutts, Alta., border crossing seized 189 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated value of about $2 million, that was being shipped into Canada.
Matthew Gaudreau's widow welcomes their first child months after his death
Four months after his death, the widow of Matthew Gaudreau announced the birth of their first child. Gaudreau, 29, and his NHL star brother Johnny Gaudreau, 31, were killed after being struck by a driver in August.
'McDonald's wouldn't open': Here are B.C.'s 10 worst 911 nuisance calls of the year
What do overripe avocados, stinky cologne and misplaced phones have in common? Generally speaking, none of them warrant a call to 911.
Man who peed on B.C. RCMP detachment injured during arrest, watchdog says
A police watchdog is asking witnesses to come forward after a man who allegedly peed on a B.C. RCMP detachment "sustained an injury" during his arrest.
opinion
opinion Tom Mulcair: Grading Trudeau's performance in 2024, and what's ahead for him in the new year
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is about to enter the final year of his mandate and, quite possibly, of his political career, writes Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca. The former NDP leader takes a snapshot of Trudeau's leadership balance sheet as a way of understanding how he got to where he is in the polls.
Toronto
-
1 arrested after 4 suspects with hammers rob Fairview Mall jewelry store: Toronto police
Toronto police have arrested one suspect following another smash-and-grab style robbery at Toronto’s Fairview Mall.
-
Ontario labour ministry investigating injury on Toronto set of 'Beast Games'
Ontario's labour ministry is investigating an industrial accident on the Toronto set of 'Beast Games,' the newly released Prime Video competition series from YouTube star MrBeast.
-
Toronto speed camera cut down a third time, thrown into pond: advocacy group
One of the busiest speed cameras in the city appears to have been cut down for a third time and thrown into a pond, according to a traffic safety advocacy group.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa family returns home after chaotic Costa Rica trip
After spending almost 48 hours longer than intended in Costa Rica, the Sachs family has finally returned home.
-
Things to do in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
-
Jimmy Carter remembered for his legacy in eastern Ontario
The former president came to Chalk River, Ont. in 1952 during the first partial nuclear reactor meltdown in history, an event that had a profound impact on his presidency.
Atlantic
-
Debris found at St. John's airport after plane takes off, catches fire on N.S. runway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says it is investigating whether debris found on the runway of an airport in St. John's is connected to the plane that caught fire over the weekend after it landed on a Halifax runway.
-
Mayor of New Brunswick municipality resigns suddenly
Mayor Rob Rochon of Fundy Albert, N.B., posted his resignation letter on social media Friday.
-
Sister of N.S. man found dead in Dartmouth tent speaks out
The sister of a Nova Scotia man who was found dead in a tent is speaking out.
N.L.
-
Icebreaker on hand in Labrador to guide season's last freight arrivals by ferry
A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is in central Labrador until Saturday to guide the Kamutik W ferry on its last freight deliveries of the season.
-
Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces
Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.
-
Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail.
As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration.
Northern Ontario
-
Two people feared drowned in Temiskaming Shores, Ont.
An Ontario Provincial Police underwater recovery team is at the scene of a possible drowning in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Passengers describe travel nightmare after WestJet flight from Costa Rica cancelled
It was a travel nightmare that left more than 100 passengers, including Ottawa residents, stranded in Costa Rica this week.
-
Motorist was driving 180 km/h on Hwy. 11, North Bay suspect charged
A call from a concerned motorist helped Almaguin Highlands Ontario Provincial Police catch a driver travelling 180 km/h on Highway 11 on Dec. 29.
London
-
Two men, one teen facing charges after police seize loaded guns and drugs
London police have charged three people after members of the LPS Uniformed Division recovered a stolen All-Terrain Vehicle, loaded guns and drugs.
-
Stolen vehicle recovered, two people charged
The London Police Service has arrested two people following the recovery of a stolen vehicle last week.
-
London man arrested in arson investigation
The London Police Service Street Crime Unit is investigating after a London man was arrested related to a shed fire that has been deemed an arson.
Kitchener
-
Investigation continues into deaths of two people at Brantford encampment
Investigators say they do not suspect foul play in the deaths of two people at a Brantford encampment on Boxing Day.
-
Flood warning issued for West Montrose
The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning for West Montrose as the community continues to experience above freezing temperatures.
-
Looking ahead to Waterloo Region's 2025 housing market
Experts say the housing market is due for a comeback in the new year.
Windsor
-
One person dead after Sandwich Street fire
One person has died after an early morning fire on Sandwich Street.
-
Jimmy Carter's legacy lives on in Windsor following former president's death
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, is being remembered fondly in Windsor, where he volunteered time with Habitat for Humanity Canada nearly 20 years ago.
-
'A gift we never expected': Leamington couple celebrates $100,000 lottery win
A Leamington couple got an early Christmas gift from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Barrie
-
Pickup truck plunges off ledge and lands on roof after crashing through fence
Two people were injured after a pickup truck crashed through a fence in Barrie’s north end and ended up on its roof roughly 20 feet below.
-
Springwater CAO steps down, heads to Barrie amid boundary dispute talks
As negotiations over a potential boundary dispute between the City of Barrie and its neighbouring municipalities gear up for 2025, a major development has shifted the political landscape.
-
Police appeal for help locating missing Barrie boy
Police in Barrie are appealing to the public for help locating a young teen.
Vancouver
-
B.C. nurse suspended for improper use of Botox, college says
A nurse from B.C.'s Lower Mainland has been given a suspension and reprimand after she was found to have improperly obtained and administered Botox.
-
'Vacuum of services': B.C. sexual health clinics at risk of closure
One of Canada’s largest non-profit sexual health organizations is at risk of closing dozens of its clinics due to funding constraints.
-
Man who peed on B.C. RCMP detachment injured during arrest, watchdog says
A police watchdog is asking witnesses to come forward after a man who allegedly peed on a B.C. RCMP detachment "sustained an injury" during his arrest.
Vancouver Island
-
Vancouver Island shooting victim found behind the wheel at crash scene: RCMP
Mounties responding to reports of a crash on Vancouver Island found a driver with life-threatening gunshot wounds early Monday morning.
-
'Vacuum of services': B.C. sexual health clinics at risk of closure
One of Canada’s largest non-profit sexual health organizations is at risk of closing dozens of its clinics due to funding constraints.
-
'McDonald's wouldn't open': Here are B.C.'s 10 worst 911 nuisance calls of the year
What do overripe avocados, stinky cologne and misplaced phones have in common? Generally speaking, none of them warrant a call to 911.
Winnipeg
-
'We need justice': Family of man shot and killed by Winnipeg police nearly a year ago still seeking answers
The family of a University of Manitoba student who was shot and killed during an encounter with Winnipeg police is demanding answers nearly one year after his death.
-
Winnipeg wedding lounge to close after 50 years
After 50 years in business, the purple building with the purple cake in Winnipeg’s West End is closing its doors.
-
'I always loved dancing': Winnipeg dancer, 102, takes stage during Nutcracker production
An esteemed Winnipeg dancer graced the stage once again last week, more than eight decades after her debut.
Calgary
-
'Dangerous person alert' ended as police locate dead suspect in Calgary double murder
The suspect in a double homicide that took place in Calgary on Sunday night has been discovered dead by police.
-
Dicey ice conditions prompt safety reminders and rink closures in Alberta
Many Albertans are heading outdoors amid the warm weather this holiday season, but it is prompting several warnings and reminders about the dangers around ice.
-
Calgary police chief talks gangs, downtown safety, relationship with the province, protests
Police Chief Mark Neufeld sat down with CTV News Calgary's Jefferson Humphreys to look back at the city police force's 2024, as well as ahead to its 2025.
Edmonton
-
'Clearly not safe': Third vehicle in 3 days to fall through ice at Sylvan Lake
Since Dec. 28, three different vehicles have fallen through the ice at Sylvan Lake – two vehicles plunged into the lake on Saturday with the other on Monday morning.
-
Fireworks, waterparks and horse-drawn carriages: Here are New Year's Eve events happening in Edmonton
With Christmas 2024 in the books, there's only one more holiday for families to enjoy before opening the 2025 cat calendar you received from a distant relative: New Year's Eve.
-
Parts of Canada could see the Northern Lights on New Year's Eve. Here's where you could see
While fireworks have become a popular way to celebrate the arrival of the new year, many Canadians could be treated to a much larger light display across the night sky.
Regina
-
Regina teens make first court appearance in homicide case
Two Regina teens facing second-degree murder charges in connection to the death of a man on Boxing Day appeared in person at Regina Youth Court on Monday morning.
-
Swift Current Broncos remember 1986 team on 38th anniversary of bus crash
Monday marked the 38th anniversary of the Swift Current Broncos bus crash. To mark the 38th year of the incident, the Broncos will host the Brandon Wheat Kings in Swift Current, with a portion of the game dedicated to the memory of the four players.
-
Here are CTV Regina's top 10 stories of 2024
From a shake up in Regina City Council leadership to an explosion of a well-known community staple, 2024 was a busy year in the headlines. Here is a look at the top stories of 2024 from CTV News Regina.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon's Medavie paramedics saw another record year for emergency calls
Saskatoon paramedics responded to a record number of emergency calls this year, yet again, although they say the increase is smaller than in recent years.
-
Sask. police officer on trial for negligence over in-custody death has charges stayed
A Saskatchewan police officer who faced criminal charges in connection with a man’s in-custody death will not be going to trial — the Crown has opted to stay the charges.
-
'Light over darkness': Saskatoon's Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah
Upwards of 100 people gathered in downtown Saskatoon for a Hanukkah celebration Sunday evening.
