Think twice before trying to‘save’birds

Scotland’s animal welfare charity is asking animal lovers in Perth and Kinross to think twice before attempting to rescue swans or other birds and animals they fear may be stuck in ice.

During the recent cold snap, the Scottish SPCA’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, people have been attempting their own rescues or, in some cases, calling the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

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 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.”

If anyone is concerned about a swan, or any waterfowl, during icy weather they should monitor the bird from a distance.

Anyone who comes across an animal in distress can call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.