Swans Take Up Residence in Busy Parking Lots

Photo Credit: Danvers Police Department

The Danvers Police Department has had an overwhelming volume of calls relating to the swans that have taken up residence in parking lots around town, including the Best Buy/Target parking lot at the Liberty Tree Mall, and the rear of Endicott Plaza, near Laser Quest, according to police.

Danvers Police Lt. James Lovell said the department has received approximately 200 calls.

“The majority for the calls is for the welfare of the birds,” Lt. Lovell said.

Mill Pond is located about a mile away from Endicott Plaza, and is frozen. Danvers Police said the animal control officer has been checking in on the swans daily.

“They are not in distress at this time. They are a protected species so they can’t be interfered with or relocated,” Danvers Police posted on Facebook. “We have also spoken with the ASPCA, who advise that no one should feed the swans as it is dangerous to their health.The Animal Control Officer will continue to monitor the situation.”

Rob Halpin, the director of public relations for MSPCA, said “The best thing is really to leave the swans alone, and to know spring is around the corner.”

In Peabody, swans have taken up residence in Barnes and Noble’s parking lot at Northshore Mall. The swans are typically found in Crystal Lake and Proctor Pond.

On Feb. 26, there were reports of over 50 geese in the parking lot causing a traffic problem at Shaw’s Supermarket on Andover Street.

“Stay away from them; don’t approach them,” Lt. Lovell said. “Just let them be.”

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