The Incident
In early October 2023, two trumpeter swans were found shot and killed in Wisconsin. The swans were discovered in Adams County near Petenwell Lake. Trumpeter swans are North America’s largest native waterfowl and they are a protected species in Wisconsin. The shooting deaths of the two swans sparked outrage among wildlife advocates and prompted an investigation into who was responsible.
Trumpeter Swan Facts
Scientific Name | Cygnus buccinator |
---|---|
Average Length | 4.5-5.5 ft |
Wingspan | 6-8 ft |
Weight | 20-30 lbs |
Diet | Aquatic vegetation |
Breeding | Mate for life, nest on the ground near water |
Conservation Status | Near threatened |
The trumpeter swan is the largest extant species of waterfowl. Native to North America, trumpeter swans were hunted nearly to extinction in the 19th century for their feathers, which were used as quills. By the early 20th century, only 69 trumpeter swans remained. Conservation efforts helped the species slowly recover. There are now over 46,000 trumpeter swans, though the population is still vulnerable. Trumpeter swans can live up to 24 years in the wild. They form monogamous pair bonds that can last their entire lifetime. Both parents help build the large nest and care for the young cygnets. Trumpeter swans mainly eat aquatic vegetation that they forage while swimming and sometimes upend to reach underwater plants. They are distinguished by their all-white plumage and black legs and feet. Their voice is a loud, trumpeting call. Trumpeter swans breed in Alaska and Canada and winter in the midwestern and western United States. In Wisconsin, they can be seen primarily during their spring and fall migrations.
Trumpeter Swan Protection in Wisconsin
Trumpeter swans are classified as a protected wild animal in Wisconsin. This gives them special status and protections under the law. According to Wisconsin statute 29.038, it is illegal to shoot, shoot at, pursue, harass, catch, capture, kill or attempt to shoot, pursue, harass, catch, capture or kill a trumpeter swan. There are only a few exceptions, such as licensed hunters who accidentally kill a trumpeter swan during a legal season for other migratory birds. However, wanton killing or destruction of trumpeter swans is prohibited.
The penalty for illegally killing a trumpeter swan in Wisconsin depends on the specifics of the violation but can include:
– Up to $50,000 in forfeitures
– Up to 1 year in jail
– Revocation of hunting licenses for up to 3 years
The Wisconsin DNR also has the authority to require restitution for wild animals that are unlawfully taken. Restitution values are determined by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress each year. For 2022-2023, the restitution value of a trumpeter swan in Wisconsin is $2,926. Knowing or intentional violations may result in the violator having to pay twice the restitution value.
The Investigation
After the two trumpeter swans were discovered shot in Adams County in early October, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources immediately began an investigation. The DNR offered a reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for shooting the protected birds. The investigation determined the swans were killed sometime between September 28 and October 2. Authorities believed the birds were shot from shore while they were swimming in Petenwell Lake. The large size of the birds meant the shooter was likely using a high-powered rifle.
Investigators interviewed residents living along the lake and followed up on tips from the public about anyone seen shooting near the time and location the birds were found. They also searched the shoreline for any shell casings or other evidence that could help identify the shooter. The DNR notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which commonly assists state conservation agencies with cases involving migratory birds. A forensic examination was done on the bird carcasses to determine the exact cause of death and see if the bullets could be matched to a specific weapon.
Looking For Motive
In trying to determine who shot the swans and why, investigators considered if poaching could be a motive. However, the birds were left dead where they were shot and their meat was not harvested. This made it unlikely the motive was illegal poaching. Authorities also considered whether the birds were potentially causing a nuisance to a local landowner who may have seen shooting them as the only solution. Trumpeter swans are large, territorial birds that can be aggressive in defending their nesting areas. However, these particular swans were migrating through the area and not part of an established local population. Investigators reached out to lakeshore owners to see if anyone had raised concerns about the birds, but found no serious conflicts.
Barring a poaching or nuisance motive, authorities began to suspect the swans may have been shot intentionally for thrill killing or just random target practice. The large size of trumpeter swans make them appealing targets to those looking to test their shooting skills and firearms. However, wanton killing of wildlife is illegal and morally wrong. The DNR hoped someone with knowledge would come forward to help bring the perpetrator to justice.
Public Outcry
The shooting deaths of Wisconsin’s protected trumpeter swans caused immediate public criticism and demands for the person or persons responsible to be held accountable. Several wildfowl and waterfowl protection groups spoke out about the swan shootings, including the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited. They noted trumpeter swans have made a tremendous comeback after being nearly extinct and that cele
DNR Response
The Wisconsin DNR responded to the public outcry over the swan deaths by emphasizing increased enforcement and monitoring of trumpeter swan populations during migration seasons. Conservation Warden Supervisor Jon King stated, “Trumpeter swans are a protected species, and we believe the deaths of these two birds is unacceptable. We are doing everything we can to find and prosecute the person or persons responsible.” The DNR planned to step up patrols in areas where trumpeter swans are known to frequent during migrations. They also urged the public to quickly report any suspicious activity against wildlife. “Our best tool in stopping poaching and illegal kills is the watchful eyes of citizens who care about our natural resources,” said King. The DNR reassured that the deaths of the two swans would not go unpunished once the culprit was identified.
The Aftermath
In the weeks following the trumpeter swan shooting incident in Adams County, investigators continued to follow up on leads but were still searching for that key piece of evidence that would help crack the case. The lack of progress was frustrating both authorities and conservationists who wanted justice for the slain birds. The DNR maintained periodic surveillances of Petenwell Lake and surrounding areas that were known trumpeter swan wintering spots. A $3,500 reward remained active for any information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Meanwhile, the public outcry gradually died down, though many residents remained on alert. The deaths served as a disappointing reminder that despite strong protections, Wisconsin’s wildlife remains vulnerable to unlawful killings. For a species only recently recovered from the brink of extinction, the loss of even two swans has an outsized impact. Those hoping to see the swans again would have to wait until the next migration season. If the shooter was not identified, the deaths might forever remain an unsolved mystery tarnishing a species’ otherwise successful resurgence. But authorities remained determined, vowing to re-examine any new leads that might finally bring a break in the case and justice for Wisconsin’s iconic trumpeters.
Conclusion
In summary, two protected trumpeter swans were found mysteriously shot and killed in early October 2023 in Wisconsin’s Adams County. The deaths sparked outrage and a detailed investigation, but the shooter has not yet been identified. The swans were likely targeted for thrill killing rather than poaching or nuisance motives. Increased enforcement and public vigilance followed the incident, though the lack of progress in solving the case remains frustrating. The deaths serve as a somber reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities even restored wildlife populations face from unlawful killings. With the shooter still at large, authorities continue pursuing leads in hopes of an eventual breakthrough that will allow justice to be served for Wisconsin’s slain trumpeters. The DNR remains committed to monitoring and protecting trumpeter swans during their seasonal migrations through the state.