Male Swan Missing At Big Lake
It is sad to report the male swan at the big lake has gone missing on/about 7/23/15.
We are requesting anyone in the lake areas having knowledge of how this swan went missing to let us know.
These swans are huge white birds so there should be visible evidence in the lake areas of an injured/dead swan. Dead swans will usually float in the water as one was found in the lake, near the Boat Ramp, 2 years ago.
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5Aug2015
There are strong feelings that the male swan was a victim of area foxes/coyotes. The fox/coyote population appears to be on the increase. They are the equivalent of uncontrolled free roaming dogs that are subject to contracting rabies.
Foxes/coyotes are frequently seen at all lake areas : Big Lake, Small Lake, and Lochside Pond. A kit of 4 were recently seen in the neighborhood of Lochview Drive which is very near to where the Big Lake swans reside. Which makes them vulnerable to fox /coyote attacks. Their cygnets also fall victim to these aggressive predators. There were six cygnets at the Small Lake this year that went missing in less than a week. Foxes/coyotes are frequently seen at this area and blamed for their decease.
We feel the increase in population of foxes/coyotes are not only an endangerment to area shore birds but also to area residents and their pets.
To our knowledge the foxes/coyotes are not victims of any predator greater than them. They currently are feasting on the area shore birds without the threat from larger predators.
Therefore should be removed by human intervention; otherwise they will eventually overrun the residential neighborhoods where shore birds are their main food source.
It is believed that RedFoxes/Coyotes are the major killer of the shore birds and pets. It appears they are becoming predominant in our area without any threat from bigger predators.
It is sometimes difficult to distinquish from the two. The following links are listed to help with knowing the difference. Recent Lochmere sightings appear to be that of the Red Fox.
Local Coyote Sightings
----Cary LInk-----
------how to control ----
----------Grey Fox----
------- Stalking --------
