This story highlights how a seemingly simple incident—someone collecting roadkill—can quickly escalate into a viral narrative, fueled by political claims and social media amplification. The man in the viral photo, as clarified by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, was simply retrieving two geese that had been hit by a car in Columbus, Ohio. Notably, the Franklin County Wildlife Office confirmed that no special paperwork is required for picking up geese carcasses in such situations.
The context surrounding this event has been influenced by former President Donald Trump’s remarks in Springfield, Ohio, where he made claims that sparked fears among migrants in the area. Despite the online narrative linking the man in the viral photo to Trump’s comments, officials have confirmed there is no evidence connecting him to immigration or intentions to consume the geese.
This case demonstrates how misinformation can spread rapidly, often taking a neutral or unrelated event and casting it into a politically charged narrative. The wildlife authorities also pointed out that handling geese, including hunting them with proper permits, is a common and legal practice in Ohio.