ORION TWP (WWJ) -- The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team sprang into action Thursday morning to rescue an injured swan that was frozen to a lake for over 24 hours.
The distressed bird was first spotted by Orion Township residents on Wednesday. They noticed the swan struggling to free itself from the frozen surface of Lake Voorheis.
When the swan was still there the next day, reports went out to the Lake Orion Fire Department, who asked the OCSO for assistance.
The OCSO Search and Rescue Team arrived around 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Officers initially used the department's Hovercraft to break up the ice near the swan, clearing a path in the lake for it to swim away.
It quickly became clear that the bird was unable to move on its own. The team used a blanket to cover the swan's head, then carefully removed it from the lake.
According to Sgt. Brian Burwell, the swan had an injured leg. The swan is currently with Oakland County Animal Control, where it can receive medical care. An animal rescue group is expected to provide rehabilitation.
“Our team always rises to the occasion to rescue anyone or anything in distress,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “I am proud of their efforts and optimistic that an animal rehabilitator will be able to nurse this swan back to full health to be released."
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