Line Markers Installed For Swans, by Mark Gocke, Wyoming Game and Fish (November 15, 2005)
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 three 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% 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 Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Lower Valley Energy or the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. Return to previous page
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