Geese can be quite territorial and aggressive towards humans, but as you pointed out, they can also recognize when someone is not a threat and will back off. This is a good reminder that animals, even those that are known to be aggressive, are capable of discerning a non-threatening human presence.
On the other hand, geese can also form bonds with humans and become quite friendly. Gumbo the Goose is a great example of this, as he befriended Abi and became her beloved pet. It’s heartwarming to see such an unexpected friendship between a child and a wild animal.
Tabatha claims that “Gumbo found us. She came into our carport, and she was attempting to get into the house.”
Abi then talked about her attempt to approach the lost goose and pet it. She was not attacked by Gumbo, who even followed them around the neighborhood as if to urge them to adopt her.
“She just followed us back home after we took her to the pond to see if she wanted to join the other geese. And she remained,” Tabatha stated. Gumbo and Abi have never been apart since. She would be carried around by the young girl, taken to the playground, and ridden down the slide with her. Abi immediately acquired a close friend after their out of nowhere first gathering.
Abi loves to talk about Gumbo to other people because it was a big part of her childhood. Gumbo follows Abi wherever she goes as they walk side by side through the neighborhood. She appears to love people, particularly Abi, whom she treats with kindness. The goose had even been allowed inside, and the family had established a daily routine with her. Albeit delicate, there are times when Gumbo shows her defensive character, fundamentally when the family canine is near.
