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Swans on ice: they’re probably not stuck, but dogs can make them skid!

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Local swan rescue volunteers have offered advice amidst concerns over cold conditions.

“We get numerous calls when lakes are frozen regarding waterfowl being ‘stuck’ on ice. But birds are well adapted to the cold. Swans have 25,000 feathers, which form a complete shell, meaning their skin doesn’t actually come into contact with the ice or water at all, and their legs have a special blood supply. But please do control dogs around icy water. Panicked waterfowl will flee and skid on the ice, which can cause nasty injuries,” said Louisa Green.

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