Crime & Safety
Stuck Swan Saved from Iced-Over Lake
Unable to move, bird was saved by animal control deputies, a float and a low-powered water cannon, according to Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Animal Control deputies made an unusual rescue on dangerous waters this week, when a swan was found stuck to the icy surface of a neighborhood lake.
The young swan had been spotted early Tuesday by residents of nearby Lee Jackson Circle. Callers told police that the swan had been in the same spot overnight, according to Captain Jeffery Pearce, a Sheriff's Office spokesperson.
Officers clapped and whistled to disturb the bird, but it couldn't move and the ice was too dangerous to walk on.
Spotsylvania Fire Rescue provided a "banana rig" float so that rescue staff could get close to the bird. They shot a low-powered water canon into the water underneath the duck so that it could break free.
Once free, the swan walked away, no worse for wear.
“This may not have been the capture of major violent criminals," stated Sheriff Roger L. Harris. "However, it’s still very rewarding, when we work together, providing all citizens, (and swans), our best efforts. It’s what public service is all about”.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
