Swan Recovering From What Appears To Be Chemical Burns All Over Its Head

By Cleve Bryan

PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) - With barely the strength to stand, a mute swan from Parvin State Park is recovering from what appears to be chemical burns all over its head.

"You can see all the feathers missing, our first impression is something was poured on him or thrown on him that burned this area," says Dr. Steve Milden at the Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital.

Pittsgrove Township Animal Control picked up the dehydrated and unresponsive swan Tuesday at Parvin.

An official from the Cumberland County SPCA says they're gathering facts on a possible abuse case and state authorities may get involved.

Vicki Schmidt is the wildlife rehabilitation expert who will nurse the swan back to health once it can leave the vet.

"You know it may be a situation you never find out who did it, but it will alert enough people who are in the area and they'll know to keep an eye out," says Schmidt.

Anyone with information should contact Parvin State Park at (856) 358-8616.