Reward offered for info on swan shooting

A trumpeter swan similar to the one above, was shot, a necropsy report states. Photo by Jean Marc Filion, Special to BayToday.ca.

A trumpeter swan found dead late last year was not one of the birds released onto Callander Bay.

Necropsy results reveal that the swan had been shot, and a reward has been offered for any information regarding the shooting.

Further information is included in the following news release issued today through the Ontario Natural Resources Ministry:

In mid-November 2004, a wild trumpeter swan was found dead in the Corbeil area. The swan was sent to the University of Guelph Ontario's Wild Bird Clinic for a necropsy to determine the cause of death and whether or not the swan had ever worn a leg tag.

The analysis, performed in early January, 2005, showed that this untagged trumpeter swan was shot as seven pellets were seen in an X-ray in areas other than the digestive tract. The report concludes that the swan died of blood loss and shock.

It is unknown at this time how far the injured bird flew before succumbing to its injuries.

Trumpeter swans are a protected migratory species of waterfowl.

"This swan was not one of our Callander-released birds. There are now over 500 trumpeter swans flying free in Ontario with many now wild-born and untagged", said Jean-Marc Filion, chairman of the Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation (LNPC) Trumpeter Swan Committee.

"We are appalled and disappointed that such an unfortunate incident has happened again. This clearly shows a need for further public education", said Paul-Emile Perron, President of the Nosbonsing Anglers and Hunters.

A $2000 reward is being offered jointly by the Nosbonsing Anglers and Hunters and the LNPC for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of this illegal act.

Those having information pertaining to this incident are asked to call CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The LNPC, in conjunction with Ontario biologist Harry Lumsden, has now released 26 trumpeter swans to the Callander Bay area of Lake Nipissing since May 2002. Those wishing to make a contribution to the local area Trumpeter Swan Introduction Program are asked to call 705-476-9665.