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A cygnet was rescued by the RSPCA after becoming trapped in ice on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Riley Green during the very cold spell.
The stricken bird was spotted by a dog walker in the frozen water at the canal close to Hoghton after being seen in the same spot for at least two days.
Using a reach and rescue pole from the side of the bank, RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson was able to break the ice which was completely surrounding the juvenile swan, before herding the bird to an area that wasn’t frozen under a nearby bridge.
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Carl said: “We get these kinds of calls quite often as the canals around here readily freeze over because of the slow moving water. It’s not always an emergency when water birds get stuck because if they’re healthy they should have enough fat reserves to survive.
“However on this occasion I decided it was best to move the cygnet because I knew there was a large unfrozen pool of water below the M65 motorway bridge about 200 metres along. The bird was also completely unable to move and would have been easy prey for predators.
“There were some grey feathers indicating the swan was young in age, probably old enough to go it alone, but maybe a little bit inexperienced in weather conditions like this.
“The area looked spectacular with a light covering of snow, but it was bitterly cold. I’m glad it was a straightforward rescue, we didn’t have to launch a boat and I was able to release the cygnet as quickly as possible.”
As temperatures begin to rise, the RSPCA has thanked everyone who has been looking out for animals during the recent cold spell. The charity received over 80 calls about incidents relating to the cold weather – mainly involving concerns about water birds in ice – which its officers attended, gave the public advice about or worked with other organisations to resolve.
What to do if you see an animal trapped
If you see an animal trapped in ice don’t put your own life in danger by attempting to rescue them. Monitor from a distance and if you’re concerned they could be injured, sick or there’s a welfare issue, go to rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern for advice.
For tips on how to keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe and happy during cold weather visit the RSPCA’s website.
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