A trumpeter swan has been found shot to death near the Lower Flathead River in Lake County.

The dead swan was reported Jan. 21 near Buffalo Bridge.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal game wardens determined it had been shot by a high-powered rifle. The dead swan’s mate remained in the vicinity after the shooting.

Hunting or shooting trumpeter swans is illegal. 

The slain swan was 3 years old.

“This bird was about to reach its reproductive start and help to increase the population,” Tribal Wildlife Program Manager Dale Becker said. “It’s too bad that shooters can’t be responsible enough to use paper targets instead of protected wildlife. Situations like this one shine an unfavorable light on all hunters and shooters because of negative public perceptions.”

Trumpeter swans were reintroduced to the area beginning in 1996 and the reintroduction program has been highly successful, Becker said.

The swans on the reservation have been released at several sites on National Wildlife Refuge System lands and private properties that provided the proper degree of seclusion, stable water levels, adequate aquatic vegetation for food and limited hazards. 

Maintaining the success of the swan reintroduction depends upon continued protection and recruitment of swans into the local population.

Each of the swans has been fitted with red neckbands and leg bands to help track their migratory movements. 

Tribal officials ask the public for any information about the shooting. Contact investigator Mike McElderry at 675-4700.