Swans and Predators

[NYboy]

Can adult swans defend themselves? I have a country home with a 2 acre pond, I only use the house about 1 weekend a month. Could a adult pair of swans take care of themselves? A web site from a swan breeder, claims there are very few predators that can over power a adult swan.

 

[Speceider]

Depends upon the swan....I've had bobcats kill an adult black swan. Bobcats are also an important predator on whooping cranes in Florida. I doubt they can defend themselves against any large predator. Predator stalk their prey and surprise...and that's not good news for the swan.

Clint

 

[Hoss1975]

I once saw an adult male swan break a mans leg,i mean snapped it in two at the shin!!

 

[NYboy]

Wow thats power!!

 

[mamabahre]

if you haven't ever been chased by a swan you might not understand how terrifying they are when they are running at you wings flapping hissing and ready to kill...my genius dog almost got herself killed by one that she felt like playing with...my dog is about 80lbs btw.

obviously a sneaky bob cat can surprise one but head on they are tough, really tough.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I know someone who lost one to an alligator. I think if your pond has an island there will probably be very few (short of alligators, which I do not think common in White Plains (I assume NY)) predators that would be likely to take them.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Swans spend a lot of time on the water especially at night, so they are pretty safe from most predators. Have you considered how you will keep open water for them in the winter when most of the pond freezes?

 

[NYboy]

Only alligators in NY are in NYC sewers!! Not sure about frozen water, maybe some kind of solar pump.

 

[Moonkit]

just don't build them a house on the shore that other animals can chase them into and they should be fine.