Police in Melksham are investigating the killing of a swan at a nature reserve this morning.
Wiltshire crime officer PCSO Janet Gould said the “beautiful creature met a cruel demise by means unknown”, but has her suspicions it wasn’t nature’s work.
The bird was found dead in the Conigre Mead Nature Reserve, owned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
“The eggs on the nest were destroyed”, PCSO Gould added.
“The swan must have put up a fight as there is an abundance of its feathers scattered all around. The nest had been in a secluded area of the Nature Reserve and should have been safe.
“Crimes against wildlife will be investigated and prosecution sought if those responsible are identified.”
But on social media, many local residents said they think swan was killed by a hungry fox or otter.
Lana Smith commented: “My partner thinks it could be an otter because of the eggs being destroyed and that there is a lot about at the moment eating the fish.”
George Stevens wrote: “Are you sure it wasn’t foxes? These swans started nesting when the river levels were at their highest, so when the levels dropped they were much further from the river than they should be, leaving them very vulnerable to foxes.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log number 54200029981.
