There are a couple of things that can be done. First, is the swan able to fly? Is there a pond nearby? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then you need to intervene. If either question is yes, then you need to chase the swan back to the nearest pond or make it fly away. Otherwise, it will be susceptible to heat exhaustion, predation from wild and domestic animals, electrical wires, cars, etc.

So, let's assume that it cannot fly and you do not have a nearby pond. If the swan is eating the bread, do not attempt to capture it yet. You will need to build its trust. If you make an attempt to capture and fail, you may not get a second opportunity.

Drop bread as if you are leading it to a certain area. For instance, drop the bread in a line and see how close to an enclosed area that you can get the swan to go. Make sure that you have a water bowl or some way for the swan to drink water as it eats the bread or it can choke. Swans need water. You may even need to lightly spray the bird with cool water from a water hose if it looks like it is heat stressed. This may not endear the bird to you, i.e., it may think you are trying to hurt or chase it, but it is better to have a wet cool swan then one suffering from heat stress.

Heat stress can result not only from the outside temperature, but the stress of being chased, captured, or being in an unfamiliar setting. HEAT STRESS can significantly injure the swan, so try to prevent this condition by limiting a chase, keeping the bird cool and wet and transporting as quickly as possible to whatever facility or site is being considered.

A kennel is not a good way to transport the swan because of its slick floor (which can damage its legs or feet) and the hard wire or plastic from a kennel (which can damage its wings as it flails around). The best transport is a swan veterinary sling, but chances are you do not have access to these. Get a large box and line the bottom of the box with a sheet or towels to prevent foot or leg damage. Make sure the box has a lid that can close, but still allow for air.

Try to get the swan into an area that it cannot escape, i.e., a corner of a house with bushes and walls on each side. YOU DO NOT want to herd the swan into an area that it can break its neck such as fencing, steep banks, etc. You can either use a net or gently grab the swan's neck with one hand while immediately placing your other hand over the wings. IF the swan wings you, it can break your arm, leg or ribs. The wings are very strong and this is the most dangerous part of a swan.

Once captured, place it in the box and close the lid so that it cannot escape and call a wildlife rescue facility. Animal control may or may not transport to such a facility and may even euthanize a swan if they do not have a facility to take the bird. SO, CALL AROUND for a waterfowl, nature rescue/rehabilitation center, etc., before calling Animal Control. Whoever takes the swan needs to check for banding or micro-chipping to see if the bird belongs to someone. If it does, these identification systems can assist in re-uniting the lost swan with its owner. Good Luck. The Regal Swan