OLYMPIA, Wash. — Trumpeter and tundra swans are returning to Whatcom, Skagit, and other western Washington counties and with their return, a hotline has been re-established to report dead, sick, or injured birds..
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s hotline is part of its ongoing effort to assess the impact of lead poisoning on the swans.
Some trumpeter and tundra swans in northwest Washington and British Columbia die each winter from lead poisoning after ingesting lead shot and other lead objects.
A WDFW spokesman said the public should call the hotline instead of handling dead, sick, or injured swans.
WDFW and Pugest Sound Energy employees, as well as volunteers from the Northwest Swan Conservance Association, will pick up the birds.
People can call (360) 466-4345, ext. 266, to report dead, sick or injured swans in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and other western Washington counties.
Callers should be prepared to leave a short detailed message including their name, phone number, location, and condition of the swans.
The hotline is available 24/7 through the end of March.