Swan hit by arrow in Johnston

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that a swan was injured by an arrow in a pond in Johnston Wednesday.

Spokesperson Evan LaCross said that a resident who lived near the pond was able to remove the arrow, and a RIDEM Environmental Police Officer was able to determine that the wound appeared to be non-fatal.

“Although there is no open season on mute swans in Rhode Island, we would need a witness statement in order to charge for hunting a non-game species,” LaCross said. “The unlawful killing of a swan can result in a misdemeanor charge which is punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in prison, or both.”

Anyone with information on who may have shot the arrow is asked to report it to RIDEM”s Division of Law Enforcement’s 24 hour dispatch at 401-222-3070.