Tundra Swan

In mid-March, the wildlife staff rescued a young Tundra swan with a lead fishing hook and tangled line stuck in its mouth. The individual was weak from lead poisoning and starvation, but their condition improved after careful treatment by the PAWS veterinary team. Because Tundra swans are considered a Priority Species by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, regional agencies and rehabilitation centers share knowledge and resources to facilitate optimal care for these migratory birds. PAWS recently transferred this patient to our colleagues at Whatcom Humane Society who frequently rehabilitate swans in their specialized waterfowl enclosure and can release them in nearby wetlands. Over 1,000 Tundra swans spend their winters in Whatcom County before returning to the Arctic each spring!