Frequently asked questions

Collision with power lines is a significant cause of injury and death in swans.  If you find an injured swan, we would ask that you contact our 24-hour cruelty and advice line 0300 1234 999 to report it.

Swans can be at greatest risk from colliding with power-lines in poor weather during spring and autumn.  In the autumn, swans may move to more sheltered locations for the winter (such as to estuaries, which do not freeze over and allow access to aquatic food) and in the spring immature birds may be actively searching for breeding territories.

It is perhaps not surprising that swans fly into cables, as they are large, heavy birds with poor forward vision that can fly at speeds of 30-50mph. Slender objects such as power lines will therefore pose a risk.  To make the cables more visible to the birds, markers (known as diverters), such as brightly coloured balls or wire coils, can be fitted along the lines by utility companies to reduce the risk of swan collisions.

If a number of swans have been found in the same area and have injuries consistent with collision with power lines, this indicates a need to fit diverters and the appropriate utility company should be notified. As well as helping to prevent swan collisions in the future, the risk of power-line damage and inconvenience to power consumers can also be reduced by taking such preventive steps. 

Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.

There is more information on what to do with injured wild animals in our wildlife section.