More than a dozen swans found dead in rural Minnesota

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is asking for information from the public concerning the killing of more than a dozen swans in Stevens County.

The agency says the killings happened between Dec. 16 and 17, 2023 in the west-central Minnesota county.

Nearly all birds native to the United States, including their nests and eggs, are protected by a federal law that has been in place since 1918, according to the FWS.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects more than a thousand species of birds, including swans.

Its special agents, wildlife inspectors and Federal Wildlife Officers works with federal, state, and Tribal conservation partners across the country in solving these cases but it depends on tips from citizens.

Anyone who is able to provide information should contact Special Agent Andrew Daiber via email at [email protected].

A monetary reward may be given if the information leads to an arrest or a conviction in the case.

This article by Tommy Wiita was first published by Bring Me The News on 11 January 2024. Lead Image: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Flickr.

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