Injured Swan Rescued From Ell Pond in Melrose

The Animal Rescue League of Boston helped an injured swan Tuesday afternoon at in Melrose, according to a rescue technician.

Around noon, the Animal Rescue League received a call from a concerned citizen about a swan entangled in fishing line at Ell Pond, according to senior rescue technician Danielle Genter.

"When I first arrived, I could not find the injured swan but did see the other (three) members of its family," Genter said. "Diane Kurkjian, the canine control officer for Melrose, saw my vehicle and came over to assist. We found the young swan all alone on the banks of the pond near West Emerson Street." 

Genter said she distracted the swan with some crackers and gently captured it using her hands. She then carried the swan to a grassy area where Kurkjian was waiting.

"By this time the rest of the family had arrived and one of the adults was hissing at me in an effort to protect the young swan," Genter said. "The hook was triple pronged and went through the webbing on the foot in (three) different places. Diane and I carefully removed the hook by cutting off the barbed ends with wire cutters and then gently pulling the hook out.

"The swan seemed a bit unsteady on (its) feet so I brought (it) back to our Boston shelter to be seen by our vet. None of the injuries inflicted by the hook look infected but (it) appears a bit weak so we will hold (it) here overnight and if (it) still appears weak (Wednesday) we will take (it) to a wildlife rehabilitator for continued care."