DEM wants to know who shot and left an arrow in a Johnston swan

JOHNSTON − The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is investigating after a mute swan with an arrow in its back was spotted in Oak Swamp Pond.

A resident who lives near the pond removed the arrow, and the swan is expected to recover, according to Evan LaCross, a spokesman for the DEM.

"Thankfully, it appeared to be a non-fatal, superficial wound that the swan should be able to recover from on its own," LaCross said via email Wednesday.

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The DEM was contacted about the wounded swan, and the resident had removed the arrow before a DEM police officer arrived Wednesday morning, LaCross said.

Anyone with information on who shot the swan should contact the DEM Division of Law Enforcement’s 24-hour dispatch at (401) 222-3070.

There is no open hunting season on mute swans in Rhode Island, according to LaCross.

The unlawful killing of a swan can result in a misdemeanor charge, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in prison, or both, LaCross said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: DEM seeks information after swan shot with arrow in Johnston