Swan injured by fishing hook; reunited with family quickly

On Wednesday afternoon, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department assisted Woburn Animal Control in capturing a swan on Horn Pond, who had been suffering for a number of days.

The male swan was injured by a small fish hook caught in his right foot which was also wrapped in fishing line.

A local favorite among those who frequent Horn Pond, the male and his mate are caring for their offspring, and both are protective and leery of unknown humans – this added an additional challenge to the rescue effort despite being close to the shore line.

This male swan on Horn Pond in Woburn, MA, was suffering from injures from a fish hook and line.

ARL Field Services Senior Agent Mike Brammer feeding the swan on the shore line.

The swan did not want to come out of the water, so ARL carefully snared him with a net.

Working to pull the swan out of the water.

Agent Brammer calms the swan after netting him.

With the assistance of Woburn ACO and a bystander, the swan was placed in a carrier for transport.

Ready for transport.

You can see the fishing line wrapped around the swan's foot.

The swan was treated and returned to the pond to reunite with his family.

The hook was removed, the wound was cleaned and he was given antibiotics and pain medicine.

Moving freely and heading home!

Reuniting with his mate and offspring.

Things return to normal.

With a number of bystanders looking on, ARL’s Field Services agent carefully snared the swan with a humane net, pulled him to shore and, with the help of Woburn Animal Control and a bystander who has an affinity for the swan family, able to safely place the injured animal into a crate for transport.

The swan was taken to New England Wildlife Center in Weymouth, and after a quick treatment of removing the hook, cleaning the wound and administering antibiotics and pain medication, ARL returned to Horn Pond to reunite the swan with his family just a few hours later.

Given that swans are territorial, ARL believes this is not the first time this swan has needed assistance, as Field Services rescued a swan in the same area several years ago.

ARL Field Services

ARL Field Services provides technical and non-technical rescue operations for injured or lost domestic animals, livestock, and raptors (turkey vultures, osprey, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls).

ARL Field Services also assists governmental agencies with equipment and training; and plays an essential role in assisting ARL Law Enforcement in cases of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse.

ARL relies on the generosity of compassionate individuals (like you!) to carry out our important work to help animals and communities in need — please help us continue this lifesaving work by making a donation.

If you need assistance, call (617) 426-9170 to reach ARL Field Services dispatch, which operates from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday-Saturday.