Rescuers urge drivers to help stranded cygnets

Wildlife rescuers have asked for drivers' help to prevent cygnets being run over as they leave their parents.

Breeding swans at Wistow in Leicestershire are currently forcing their young to fly the nest to prepare for a new breeding season.

However, the shape of the lake where the cygnets have been reared, and the height of its perimeter fence, mean the young birds struggle to gain height and often land in the path of traffic in Kibworth Road.

Rescuers at Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital have urged motorists to stop and help any stranded swans by shepherding them onto the grass verge and calling them for help.

Team leader Harriet Childs said they see a number of the young birds killed on the road every year.

She added that cygnets may "hiss and spit", but can be safely rehomed to another lake if they are kept away from the road and not returned to their parents' territory.

She said: "At this time of year they get pushed off by their parents as they're ready to breed again - it happens everywhere.

"But with Wistow it's quite difficult if dad pushes them in a certain direction which ends up putting them towards the road.

"It's a country road, so people do go down there quite quickly and there's a lot of ducks down there so unfortunately, we get quite a lot of casualties.

"If you see them in the road, just call us and don't put them back on the water because dad's trying to bully them off.

"They will spit at you and hiss, but if you've got a coat or something that you can wave at them, they will move the way that you need to get them to safety."

Anyone who spots a swan in need of rescue can contact Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital on 07951 285366.

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