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Swan Aggressive Behavior
Name: Jim
Status: N/A
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
Hi...This AM my wife and I were returning for our
morning kayak ride around Shavehead Lake, near Union,
Michigan. What happened was not fun to see. One pair of swans,
with 3 baby swans, started fighting with two babyless, chickless
swans. I really do not know who attached who, but they went at it
with some real intent to cause harm. They chased each other under
our pier, swam under. They flew, ran, swam across the lake and
faught all they way. One swan escaped by jumping out of the water
up onto the pier.....Is this normal? What part should WE, as
humans play in this? Do I try and get in there and protect the
swan getting killed? Will they actually kill each other, or are
they just establishing dominance? These are beautiful birds about
which we know nothing. Can you help me with some of my questions.
Replies:
Swans are famous for aggressive behavior, both toward other swans and other
birds. Mute swans have been kept in some ponds for generations, in an
attempt to drive away geese and other unwanted birds. Almost always it is
better to not interfere, it is unlikely an adult swan would be able to kill
another adult, although young are sometimes vulnerable. Yes, it is usually
about dominance.
J. Elliott
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Update: June 2012
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