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Necropsy Results on Washtenaw County Swans Show Blunt Trauma as Cause of Death

Contact:  Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources


Aug. 5, 2009

Department of Natural Resources wildlife veterinarians at the Wildlife Disease Laboratory in Lansing reported today that blunt trauma, not gunshot wounds, was the cause of death in the case of three swans killed over the weekend in Lodi Township in Washtenaw County.

In his necropsy report, DNR Wildlife Veterinarian Dan O'Brien said the male adult swan and female cygnet found dead early Saturday morning died of massive blunt trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle. An adult female swan from the same pond that was found alive on Sunday with severe injuries and had to be euthanized also suffered from blunt trauma, O'Brien said.

"Euthanizing the adult female swan was the wise and humane thing to do," O'Brien noted in his report after examining the extent of its injuries.

DNR conservation officers will continue investigating and following up on tips provided by the public. Persons with any information about this incident can call the DNR's Report All Poaching (RAP) Line at 800-292-7800. Information may be left anonymously.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources
for current and future generations.

Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Outdoors
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