The Sunriver Police Department, in partnership with Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory are offering a reward, up to $1,000, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who shot a protected swan on Thanksgiving Day. The Trumpeter Swan, known as Chuck, was an iconic resident of Lake Aspen. He and his mate, Gracie produced six young over the last two years as part of a conservation breeding program to support the reintroduction of Trumpeter Swans to Oregon. This program is led by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Trumpeter Swan Society. The incident occurred on the Deschutes River just northwest of the Sunriver community. Trumpeter Swans are a protected species in Oregon and hunting them is illegal. Any information regarding this incident should be reported to the Sunriver Police at 541-593-1014. The Sunriver Police will determine eligibility and administer issuance of the reward if warranted. The Oregon State Police Fish & Game Division continue to assist with this investigation. Individuals wishing to contribute to a reward may do so by contacting the Sunriver Nature Center at 541-593-4442 or by using the link at www.sunrivernaturecenter.org entitled “Support Our Mission” and noting that the funds are for the reward. Any excess proceeds from these gifts will be used to support the reintroduction of Trumpeter Swans to Oregon and to memorialize Chuck’s spirit at the Nature Center.
