Popcorn Park: Swan Shot With Oversize Dart Narrowly Avoids Death

The Associated Humane Society at Popcorn Park Zoo wants to know who shot a swan with an oversized tranquilizer gun.

A man who spotted the swan in Toms River at first thought the bird had been shot with an arrow. It wasn't. It was a tranquilizer dart used by animal agencies to tranquilize wildlife, according to the organization's Facebook page.

The post was entitled "Just when you thought you've seen it all."

The Popcorn Park employee could barely understand the man when he called because he was so upset. The dart was a larger dart with a large barb which would be used on deer, never on something as delicate as waterfowl.

"This larger dart should never be used on an animal in the water as it would drown while it was being sedated," the post states.

But the dart hit the swan's wing, not a muscle. It just missed her humerus bone.

Zoo veterinarians were able to remove the dart and treat the swan's wound.

"There was quite a quite a bit of damage because of the barb, but she should be fine," the post states. "She's resting comfortably and will stay with us getting antibiotics and other meds until she is healed."

Anyone who lives in Toms River and may know who did this, please e-mail njhumane@aol.com.

Photo credit: Associated Human Societies Popcorn Park