DNR eliminates poison as cause of death in Oakland County swans
Wildlife biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have confirmed that a disease caused by a parasitic flatworm killed three mute swans found dead earlier this year, near Maceday Lake.
Since January, DNR conservation officers have retrieved eight dead mute swans from the lake, located in a residential area of Waterford Township. Concerned residents initially questioned whether the swans were ingesting antifreeze or another form of poison.
Mute swans, identified most notably by their bright, orange-colored bills, are an invasive waterfowl species in Michigan, known for being aggressive towards humans and native wildlife and destroying wetland habitat.
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May 7, 2021
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Wildlife biologists with the DNR confirmed that a disease caused by a parasitic flatworm killed three mute swans found dead earlier this year, near Maceday Lake. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has eliminated poison as the cause of death of several swans found dead in Oakland County earlier this year, officials said Wednesday.
Wildlife biologists with the DNR confirmed that a disease caused by a parasitic flatworm killed three mute swans found dead earlier this year, near Maceday Lake. Since January, eight dead mute swans have been pulled from the lake, causing some residents to believe they were ingesting antifreeze or another form of poison.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the announcement on its Facebook page.
âThis real life river monster was tipping the scales at 240 pounds, measuring 6 feet 10 inches long, and a girth of nearly 4 feet,â the post stated. âCaught in the Detroit River, this fish is one of the largest lake sturgeon ever recorded in the U.S.â
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Based on its girth and size, biologists assume it to be a female and said she has been roaming the Detroit River and surrounding waters for over 100 years.
As a point of reference, that means the ancient fish caught on April 22 likely was hatched in the Detroit River around 1920, when Detroit became the fourth largest city in America.
Visit a Michigan wetland and you could win $1K
Updated May 06, 2021;
Posted May 06, 2021
Fort Custer Recreation Area. Photo by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, used with permissionMI Dept. of Natural Resources
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LANSING, MICH. May is American Wetlands Month, and to celebrate, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting a photography contest to encourage birders, anglers, photographers, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts to visit the state’s “Wetland Wonders.”
The annual Explore MI Wetland Wonders contest highlights 15 state-managed wetlands largely in state game areas and state wildlife areas aimed at providing high-quality habitat for waterfowl and water birds while offering outdoor recreation opportunities. According to the DNR, these areas are funded by hunting license fees, but are open for anyone to visit and enjoy most of the year.