Residents in a northwest community will have to say goodbye to beloved swans that called the Desert Shores home.

Last week, one of the birds was shot with an arrow and had to be euthanized.

Word is beginning to spread that the swans will soon be gone. Residents are sad but they understand why the birds need a new home.

Spectators take pictures as they walk by while others watch the wildlife from the comfort of their cars. The scenery at the Desert Shores will soon be missing a key component.



“If they have to relocate them, that’s the best for the swans, you know,” said Geryl Steinseifer, who will miss seeing the swans.

“I mean they’re part of the lake,” said Mary Eng. “Sometimes I’ll bring bread out and stuff and feed them.”

The owners of the swans have decided to relocate the birds out of state and out of harms way. Last week, a papa-swan was found with an arrow shot through his hindquarters. The bird did not make it.

“One person ruins it for everybody. It’s kind of a bummer to most people that come out and look at the birds and stuff like that,” said Jack Salzman, who likes to fish at Desert Shores.

That one person who ruined it for everyone remains a mystery. No one has been arrested for shooting the black swan.

And it’s not the first time birds have been killed there. Last February, a jury convicted a teenager who was sentenced to probation and counseling for killing birds that also lived at the Desert Shores.

Meanwhile, residents remain hopeful the shooter in the latest attack on the wildlife will be brought to justice.

“Maybe some day they’ll get caught or something bad will happen to them, whatever, but yeah it does make me sad. Look how beautiful they are,” Steinseifer said.

It’s unclear exactly when the swans will be rounded up and removed, but 8 News NOW was told the owners have made arrangements with a breeder in Illinois.

“It’s sad but necessary,” Steinseifer said.

“I mean, you look at them while you’re fishing. It’s just kind of nice scenery and when they’re not going to be here, it’s going to be kind of different, you know, different atmosphere,” Salzman said.

The animal rights group, PETA, is still offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the swan shooter. You can report an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.