Deer guards nesting goose at cemetery

BUFFALO, N.Y. — An unusual springtime friendship seems to have blossomed inside a Buffalo cemetery, between a deer and a nesting goose.

For the past week or so, the deer has been standing near an urn where the goose has taken up residence, positioning itself between the urn and any car or foot traffic that passes by.

Craig Cygan noticed the unlikely pair on his regular patrols with his goose-chasing border collies. He said the goose is without a mate and he believes the deer has taken over the job of protecting the nest.

Cornell University wildlife expert Paul Curtis said Thursday deer and geese usually don’t pay any attention to each other.

Forest Lawn Cemetery is trying to arrange for a webcam so the curious can check in on the nest.