Stratford nesting swan named Kate killed in apparent coyote attack (2024)

One of Stratford’s nesting swans is without its mate after an apparent coyote attack near Lake Victoria.

Quin Malott, Stratford’s manager of parks, forestry and cemeteries, confirmed Thursday that Kate, named after the Princess of Wales, was killed Tuesday night at her nest. Her partner Will, named after the Prince of Wales, appeared to be unharmed.

Article content

Any eggs found by city staff were damaged and disposed of, Malott said.

Article content

While the city’s mute swans and their eggs have been previously targeted by predators like minks, raccoons and foxes, Malott said it’s the first time there’s been a fatal attack in the park system.

“We’ve never seen animals like that come into the park before, so it’s all new to us,” he said.

Swans usually go into the water to protect themselves from land predators, but nesting swans like Kate are vulnerable, Malott said, because they won’t leave their eggs unprotected.

Will and Kate were nesting under a tree on the east end of the river near the Festival bridge, and Malott figures the animal, likely a coyote, came from the vicinity of the nearby golf course. Nests could be moved to floating platforms next year, and Malott said it might be time to consider a policy on how to handle the growing coyote population in the city after talking to the humane society and other municipalities.

“Maybe there will be a little more protection if this is going to be something we want to do something about,” he said.

It’s the first time a predator has killed one of the city’s swans since a nesting pair at the Stratford Golf and Country Club two or three years ago, Malott said. Most of Stratford’s swans remain around Lake Victoria once they’re released from their winter quarters, but some wander through city waterways.

Article content

City staff find them and bring them back to the river.

“That’s probably where they’re the safest, but we can’t put them on leashes and they’re not a pet,” Malott said. “Where they go, they go.”

The birds’ wings are pinioned to prevent them from flying away, which is required to have a permit for the invasive species, but it also prevents them from being able to escape predators.

The city recently purchased two swans for $600 total from a farm estate in St. Thomas, Malott said, leaving 12 on the river or outlying waterways in the city. After Kate’s death, there are now two mated pairs nesting.

Lisa Herlick, a local photographer, documented Will and Kate with her camera for more than two years and said she felt “grateful and privileged” to be part of “this inspiring story.”

“I’ve always loved all nature, but Will and Kate appeared to have an inspiring love between them that stood out from any other wildlife I’ve photographed.”

cosmith@postmedia.com

Article content