This could be due to any number of causes. The two most prevalent issues that come to mind are normal predation or human interaction. If it is normal predation, we have seen coyotes, bobcats, alligators and even snapping or soft-shelled turtles rendering swans headless. In the case of fox, coyote and bobcat, there is also a stripping of the neck tissue prior to getting to the internal organs of the chest. This is caused because the predator grabs the neck or head of the bird which is how it is killed and obviously, the first tissue is eaten. If the rest of the body was not eaten, there is a possibility that the animal was frightened and left the area before eating the rest of the carcass.

In the case of an alligator or turtle, the headless predation is due to the swan eating the muck at the bottom of the pond and the predator striking so that the bird was beheaded.

Finally, human interaction due to someone committing a stupid, cowardly and inhumane act could also be the cause. Because we do not know your location and have not seen the carcass and the surrounding habitat, it is difficult for us to assess the possible cause. Did you see animal tracks, a trail of feathers, a blood trail, etc.? These items may be your best clue for determining what actually happened to your swan.

Regardless of human or natural predation, it is of utmost importance to preserve the remaining flock (if you have one) by bringing the birds indoors at night to safeguard them from further mayhem. The birds need to be kept in a pen that cannot be penetrated from the top or the bottom by a predator digging or climbing. The pen should also have a water and food source.

If you determine that the predator is human, you will need to protect the birds by actually bringing them indoors so that no one can get access to them. Contact your local and state authorities to see what animal cruelty or other laws may have been broken for possible prosecution. We hope this information is of benefit. The Regal Swan