Swan dies after swallowing fishing tackle
Volunteer canoeists helped to rescue a swan that was caught up in fishing line in the Bristol park. Swan rescue asked them to help when they found it difficult to catch the injured swan that had fishing line trailing from his beak and a float attached to his side.
Swan rescue had been inundated with phone calls about the swan from worried park users over the weekend as the bird looked lethargic with a clear lump in his throat and trailing fishing line.
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Swan is rescued from Eastville Park lake after swallowing fishing tackle.
It is thought that one of the anglers who visited the lake on Saturday was responsible for the injured swan.
"There were five or six anglers at the lake on Saturday, probably because it was a sunny day. One of these must have snagged the swan and simply cut the fishing line leaving it all attached to the bird." Said Friends of Eastville Park member Victoria Holmes.
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"Unfortunately there is a conflict between allowing angling here and protecting the large amount of breeding birds that visit the lake and are enjoyed by many park users."
The canoeists corralled the swan into a corner of the lake and Peter Martin from Swan Rescue was able to retrieve him to be taken to the National Swan Centre. Sadly the swan did not survive his injuries. He had a hook in his oesophegus and a hook, line and lead weights in his gizzard. This had become completely compacted and caused the swan to die.
The swan was the resident cob swan that has been part of a breeding pair at Eastville Park for many years. Park users hope that his mate will join up with other swans that have been visiting the lake over the winter. It is thought the pair had recently started to nest for this years breeding season.
Swan rescue are regularly called to help with fishing injuries at the lake including swans, ducks and moorhens.
Park users have urged anglers to avoid the lake which presently has fourteen swans in residence, to prevent wildlife being affected.
3 Comments
by Red_Emerson
Wednesday, February 27 2013, 11:23PM
“Fishing is a relaxing and enjoyable sport enjoyed by thousands, across the country.
Unfortunately, as with all areas of life, there is a mindless minority, who spoil things for others.
If you see anglers behaving mindlessly, report them to the police.”
by whippetprince
Friday, February 22 2013, 11:48AM
“Poor swan, beautiful animals.
The only redeeming point is that Uncle George didn't get hold of it.
It would have been served up as Sunday roast for the Merchant Venturers.
RIP brave swan.”
by bokkbokk
Friday, February 22 2013, 1:35AM
“Fishing is one of the cruelist 'sports' out there and should be banned.”