A swan is lucky to be alive after being shot in the neck.
Wildlife volunteers found the bird in Worcester and raised the alarm after seeing a lump in its neck.
The swan was taken to the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre (VWHRC), where an X-ray would go on to reveal a ball bearing lodged in its neck.
It is thought that the swan was a victim of a catapult attack.
Swan, found in Worcester, lucky to be alive after a suspected catapult attack (Image: The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre)
A VWHRC spokesperson said: “A lump on the neck. That’s all the initial report said.
“When this swan arrived with us, our veterinary team began investigating the cause of the swelling. Sadly, the answer was all too familiar.
“An X-ray revealed a ball bearing embedded in her neck.
“Someone, somewhere, had fired a catapult or similar weapon at this legally protected bird.
“The ball bearing narrowly missed causing catastrophic injuries, and she was incredibly lucky to survive.
“This is exactly why we work alongside Naturewatch Foundation.
The X-ray is better, say easter holiday (Image: Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre)
“Every year, we see the devastating consequences of wildlife persecution, with animals injured, maimed, and killed by weapons that are far too easily obtained and used against wildlife.
READ MORE: Bistro offering ‘something unique’ to open on Barbourne Road
“For this swan, the outcome could have been very different.
“Instead of spending this time of year out on the water, potentially preparing to raise a family of her own, she is recovering in a hospital enclosure because of a completely preventable act of cruelty.
“No wild animal should have to endure this.”
The ball bearing used in the attack (Image: Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre)
Volunteers at the Swan Food Project have confirmed that the swan was found in Worcester, and have urged the public to report anyone targeting wildlife with a catapult to West Mercia Police.
Subscribe to our daily newsletters, sent out at 6am and 6pm every day, for all the latest news, or one of our specialist weekly newsletters for business, court, or political news.
