Swan-ted: Killer swan on Pembroke’s Castle Pond (From Western Telegraph)

Pembroke Swan has killed 15 and injured dozens of other birds

3:18pm Wednesday 15th September 2010 in News

A merciless killer operating in the heart of Pembrokeshire has claimed 15 victims.

Since the start of the year, he has launched dozens of vicious attacks on those who dare to invade his territory.

The strong and powerful murderer then gleefully takes his wife and baby to view the bodies of his hapless prey.

His name is Hannibal. And he's a swan.

The feathered terror, who lives on Pembroke's Castle Pond, beats interlopers with his beak, wings and feet, sometimes holding their heads underwater until they drown.

"I've never come across such an aggressive bird," said wildlife worker Maria Evans, who is frequently called to the pond to tend to the aftermath of Hannibal's rages. "He is an absolutely horrible swan and people really don't like him.

"I've lost count of the times I've been over there to pick up dead and injured swans."

Hannibal's most recent victim is now recovering at Maria's Tinker's Hill rescue centre in Amroth after being rescued by Pembroke vet Gareth Steele.

The swan, who Maria has named Trevor, suffered terrible injuries to his feet in the attack by Hannibal. "If Gareth hadn't acted so quickly, this would undoubtedly be another death," she said.

Local residents frequently witness Hannibal's ferocious behaviour. "It's very stressful to watch, and people are quite upset," said one lady in nearby Rocky Park. "I've seen him drown other swans, and there was just nothing I could do about it.

"Afterwards, he swims around the pond with his wings up, looking so proud of what he has done.

"And if his victims are injured on the bank, he just won't let them back in the water."

It is now planned to remove Hannibal and his family from the Castle Pond for blood tests which could be a pointer to the aggressive behaviour.

It is now planned to remove Hannibal and his family from the Castle Pond for blood tests which could be a pointer to the aggressive behaviour.

Said Maria Evans: "The water in the pond is very brackish, salty and not particularly clean, and pollution and lack of nutrients can both be responsible for nasty behaviour in swans.

"Once we have the results of the tests, we can decide Hannibal's future. But I know that people wouldn't be sorry to see him go."