Boater harasses swans on Lake Simcoe

The following crime was witnessed by an Innisfil resident.

On this day at the end of the 2nd line of Innisfil,there were 6 beautiful Trumpeter Swans enjoying the quiet peaceful lake. A couple of Innisfil residents were enjoying the swans and before they knew it, a speed boat was coming down the lake towards them. Thinking nothing of it until it did a run past on the other side of the swans. Again only closer, then ,causing 5 of the swans to take flight including 2 cygnets (young swans).

What happened next was just not even imaginable. The boat at full throttle got closer and closer to this one swan who was calling out for the others. The boat then started running circles around the swan, over & over again. At one point the swan reared up in distress. This totally

unacceptable behaviour went on for about 10 min.Under the Migratory Bird Act, it states that no one shall injure or harass or harm in any way, any migratory bird. A very small part of this act. People need to be educated in this area and know that if you witness wrong doing against wildlife that you have a voice. Use it please. These birds can not speak out and depend on our speaking out for them. Or any wildlife for that matter. This boat did not even slow down at all. These 2 men should of respected these magnificent swans and stayed away. There are a lot of swans moving through the area right now, lets keep them safe. And boaters, please, respect swans & loons and all other waterfowl. Lets not forget, this water is their home.! We are the visitors. As for this incident, it is under investigation as we speak. Lets put an end to this kind of abuse to wild birds.!