Close encounters of the swan kind

Andy Dygert and Tosha Rae Long
Staff Writers
April 8, 2004, Page 1

The swans on the Doane lakes are stirring up a lot of controversy during mating season. However, many people are wondering whether the swans are causing the problems or if it is the students’ actions that are antagonizing them.
“There seem to be more reports of students attacking swans versus swans attacking students,” said Russ Hewitt, director of Residence Life.
One student has been reportedly attacked by a swan.
Sarah Newton, friend of the supposedly attacked student, recounted the incident.
“It attacked her with its wings and left bruises on her legs as she was walking from Communications to Hansen,” Newton said.
Designed as a scenery addition to the campus, the swans have since created turmoil.
“Usually I think the swans are a great addition to Doane’s campus, however lately we’ve had some incidences where the male swan is being very protective of his eggs,” said Kim Heier, Dean of Student Leadership.
The solution to this problem, although it might seem simple, is rather complex. Removing the swans would be the obvious answer.
“If the swans continue to be aggressive, we will have to relocate them,” said Pappy Khouri, Vice President of Financial Affairs.
However, Khouri said that if the male swan is removed, nature is disrupted because the male and female alternate in sitting on the eggs.
There have been reports of students provoking the swans. The best way to avoid conflict is to abstain from contact with the swans Hewitt said.
“The college will take steps to protect the students,” Hewitt said. “I hope that students just realize to walk on by.”
Recent attempts to squander student aggressiveness toward the birds include signs posted near the water stating “Nesting swans may be aggressive. Please use caution” and a campus wide e-mail sent by Hewitt stating that any students caught aggravating the swans will be issued an automatic $500 fine.
Tiffany Grossman, freshman, feels that the aggressiveness of the swans is a harsh reality.
“It is a tough one,” Grossman said. “It is a sucky situation because they are attacking people, but they have to because they are protecting their babies.”
Other students feel that removing the swans is the best option.
“The swan is on a power trip and someone needs to dethrone him,” said freshman Matt Cooper. “We should keep them, but maybe let them out after mating season.”
The fact is, the swans are becoming an issue on the Doane campus, one that may need a solution soon.
“I think that we may need to think about removing him [male swan] from campus on a temporary basis until he can become less aggressive,” Heier said.