April 2008 E-News - Swan song or war cry?

For several years, I have pet sat at a farm with an extremely aggressive male mute swan. He's been on attack mode since mating and nesting season and he has even attacked cars with his wings and beak. The swan has also stalked me with clipped wings – he just lumbers over and makes a helluva noise! He is mean and I have had to protect myself with brooms and such – but nothing deters him.

 

I always keep my eye on him, as he has snuck up on me, (coming a surprising distance from the pond over to the barn and chicken and goat pens) while doing my other work. The owner, who is a big fellow, was also attacked by the swan and his broom and stern voice didn’t work either. The owner also told me that both he and his wife's car have been attacked by the swan when they arrive home. Their solution has been to just sneak out of the car and run for the house! My question - does anyone know anything that will intimidate and deter this attack swan?

 

The danger from a mute swan is its wings. They are very fast, strong and thick boned, and the bite, although strong, would be the least of anyone's worries in an attack. The wings are going to disable you. Do not underestimate the hurt those wings can put on you! This mute swan has even attacked a local fellow affectionately known as “The Swan Whisperer.” He is a long-time bird expert and he gave me a lot of interesting information on swans. He explained that the only real protection against an aggressive mute swan is clipped wings and a sturdy, strong fence. He also confirmed my research that mute swans can hit an individual so hard with their wings that they easily can break bones. They have in fact caused the deaths of children and at least one adult who were attacked. (An adult was dumped from his canoe and drowned by an aggressive mute swan beating him down in the water.)

 

I read that loud noises can interrupt an attack. But I tried a very loud boat air horn with absolutely no effect. I doubt a firecracker would interrupt the single-minded determination of a mute swan in attack mode.

 

Do not believe the myth that swans can tell if you are afraid of them, and if you are not afraid of them and stand up to them, they will back off or stop an attack. This is not true! I have yet to see any bird that sensed and reacted to a person’s mood.

 

Mute swans are a protected species and in short, they are nice to see on a pond – but not nice to see with wings and necks extended and boring down on you! I hope this information will help someone to avoid injury and I look forward to comments from anyone who has dealt with an aggressive swan.

 

- Herb Francisco, While Away Pet Care, Mertztown, PA

 

Do you have any suggestions for dealing with aggressive waterfowl?  If so, drop us a line and your email will be published in an upcoming E-Newsletter.