The Scottish SPCA is asking animal lovers not to attempt to rescuing swans they fear may be stuck in ice.
During the recent cold snap, the society’s animal helpline has received over 70 calls from concerned members of the public regarding swans they mistakenly fear are stuck in ice on frozen lochs or ponds.
Despite the charity advising that in the vast majority of cases the birds are able to free themselves, members of the public have been attempting their own rescues or, in some cases, calling the fire service to attend.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said: “We understand that the public have good intentions when it comes to these birds and are concerned they are stuck or in distress.
“In reality, swans are incredibly powerful birds and more than capable of breaking any ice that forms around them. Occasionally, if temperatures are unusually low and the water is very still, like that found in a pond, they may become stuck.
“However, this is very rare and normally the birds will simply break the ice themselves and fly off when they are ready to.
“We would ask that callers follow the advice given by our helpline operators and animal rescue officers when it comes to this issue and dont attempt to take matters in to their own hands.
“We really must urge the public not to attempt to rescue any swans themselves, either by throwing items at the ice around the bird or venturing on to the ice themselves. This will cause the swan a massive amount of stress and you could injure the bird if you are throwing any kind of projectile to break the ice.
“Worse still, if you venture on to the ice yourself you could be putting your life in danger. Swans are perfectly adapted to survive in extremely cold water, humans are not.”
Anyone with concerns about a swan, or any waterfowl, during icy weather should monitor the bird from a distance. If the bird is there for a number of hours without moving, or appears sick or injured in any way, then they can call the SSPCA helpline.
People should not risk their own safety to rescue swans on frozen lochs warns SSPCA
5 January 2021