NAVARINO, WI- A distressing incident has gripped the Navarino State Wildlife Area in Wisconsin, as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues an investigation into the tragic deaths of three young trumpeter swans and a great blue heron. DNR Conservation Warden Mark Schraufnagel has voiced his shock and deep dismay over the incident, describing it as puzzling and senseless.
“It makes no sense whatsoever. Unfortunately, I think it takes a pretty selfish individual.”
The grim discovery came to light on August 27th when a concerned citizen reported the lifeless bodies of three young gray-and-white cygnets. These majestic creatures, which were born earlier in the spring, were found in a water-filled area near the Navarino Nature Center. Tragically, the following day, another casualty, a great blue heron, was discovered lifeless in the same vicinity, all bearing the unfortunate wounds of apparent gunshot.
“A lot of people I know from the area have spent the summer watching those Swans and enjoying them,” Schraufnagel said.
Trumpeter swans, Wisconsin’s largest swan species, had been successfully reintroduced in 1989 after facing extinction in the region since the 1880s. The DNR is now making a plea for anyone that has information regarding the incident to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigation.
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