Parks Canada is currently investigating a suspected poaching incident involving waterfowl at Point Pelee National Park. The incident is believed to have occurred between 8 p.m. on April 23 and 8 a.m. on April 24 in the marsh area of the park. Authorities are seeking information from individuals who may have witnessed illegal firearm discharge or noticed any suspicious people or vehicles in the area during that timeframe.
According to the government agency, poaching is a serious violation under the Canada National Parks Act. Officials are urging anyone with dashcam footage from the park entrance, marsh boardwalk, or Blue Heron day use areas during the specified period to come forward.
Debra Parker, a frequent visitor to Point Pelee, expressed her concerns after a friend, also a regular park visitor, reported finding a dead swan in the park. Parker believes the poached bird was a nesting female swan based on photographic evidence. She emphasized the distress caused by the presence of a firearm in the park and hopes that the perpetrator will be apprehended soon.
Melissa Hargreaves, another park visitor, shared her experience of observing the female swan peacefully tending to her nest the day before the incident. She described the swan’s calm demeanor and expressed sadness over the poaching, advocating for the maximum penalty for those responsible.
Photography enthusiast Larry Strung, who visited the park on April 12, captured images of the swans in their natural habitat. Strung remarked on the proximity of the swans’ nest to the boardwalk and expressed disbelief that someone would harm them. He highlighted the grace and beauty of the swans, emphasizing the impact of the female swan’s injury on its lifelong mate.
The type of bird poached has not been disclosed by Parks Canada, and concerned individuals are encouraged to provide any relevant information to assist in the investigation.
