Swan Killed Near Pine River

Minnesota DNR officials are trying to determine who killed a trumpeter swan near Pine River. 

Conservation Officer Nikki Shouts found the big bird in a ditch.  It was one of several killed in Minnesota recently.

In addition to the Pine River incident, two men are facing charges for killing two trumpeter swans several weeks ago in the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area.  A trumpeter swan was shot and killed in Kandiyohi County and found along a gravel road near a large slough.   And, a trumpeter swan was shot and killed near Brownton.

Every fall, officials with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warn waterfowl hunters to avoid mistakenly shooting trumpeter swans. Notices are printed in Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting regulations and warning signs are posted on some lakes frequented by swans.

Trumpeter swans are a federally protected species. People who shoot them face fines up to $1,700 plus a loss of hunting equipment and hunting licenses for up to three years.