JACKSON – Thanks to the combined efforts of the Wyoming Game and Fish, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation and Lower Valley Energy, fewer trumpeter swans will be lost to collisions with power lines in Jackson Hole area.

These groups are working together to mark power lines over water and other popular flight paths for swans, with a device called a firefly flapper/diverter. The diverter glows, reflects and flaps in the wind alerting the swans to the power line. Studies have shown it to be quite effective. 

“Trumpeter swans, both resident and migrant birds from Canada, are attracted to the Jackson area this time of year for the naturally-warmed waters found throughout the region,” says Susan Patla, nongame biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “Unfortunately, we also get a lot fog in the valley this time of year, which leads to swan fatalities from collisions with power lines.  Collisions are a major cause of swan deaths, and account for over 40 percent of identified mortalities in the area.”  

This project was made possible through a grant received from the Governor’s Big Game License Coalition. Each year the governor of Wyoming receives big game hunting licenses, which are auctioned through a variety of sources to generate money for the fund. The fund is administered through the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming for a variety of wildlife and habitat conservation projects across the state. 

“This is an example of an excellent wildlife project that probably wouldn’t have happened without those funds,” says Patla. “We’re very appreciative for the governor’s big game license funds.”   

The public can help protect swans and other birds by calling in the locations of any observed collisions or near-hits with power lines to the Game and Fish, Lower Valley Energy or the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation.

                Patla also reported that 2005 was a good year for trumpeter swans in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Adults were up 22 percent compared to 2004 with 355 adult swans observed compared to 289.  A total of 61 nesting pairs hatched 125 cygnets (young swans born this year), and 98 of these cygnets (78 percent) survived until September. Number of occupied nest sites (72) however was low compared to the previous nine-year average of 90. This was especially noticeable at high elevation and more northern nesting areas, where fewer sites were occupied and fewer young produced. Lingering cold weather in May resulted in late ice-off and slow development of submerged aquatic vegetation (the swan’s main food source), hampering nesting attempts at these sites. 

(contact: Mark Gocke (307) 733-2321)

(photos available)

-WGFD-

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