Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Single White Swan in pound that has not iced over yet
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 1 December 2015

Hi Signe:

We're not sure where you are located, so we would advise to be very cautious about contacting your DNR. Many states will kill the bird just because it is a Mute Swan. So, if you need to contact someone, we would suggest you discretely ask around to local wildlife rehabilitators or other such facilities to see if someone can intervene.

If it is a young swan and has not left by now, it is going to be caught in a severe winter which will likely freeze the entire pond. If that occurs, it can drown by not being able to get out of the ice should it fall through, will freeze or catch an illness from not being able to stay warm and dry, can be attacked by a predator that can access the ice or die from starvation and dehydration. So, this is a catch 22.

The swan probably needs to be relocated unless the pond does not completely freeze. If it can fly, there are still no guarantees that you will be able to capture even if there is intervention. Finally, you might also ask around to see if someone in the area keeps swans and might be able to help and relocate the bird. Good luck and please let us know how this progresses. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Single White Swan in pound that has not iced over yet -- Signe -- 1 December 2015
Re: Single White Swan in pound that has not iced over yet -- The Regal Swan -- 1 December 2015