A swan that often visited the pond behind Robin and John Angelini’s Upper Freehold home was shot dead Thursday night, and the couple says they’re sure it was an intentional act.

The New Jersey State Police said Friday they’re investigating the Thursday night shooting, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m.

The Angelinis, who live on Route 526 just east of Allentown Borough, were in their backyard with their dogs when they heard a shot, and saw a white figure in the water they share with a neighbor.

As John put the dogs away, Robin went to investigate, and saw what looked like a lifeless swan, then a dark-colored pickup truck speed away from the other side of the pond. John took a boat into the pond and found the swan, nearly decapitated.

The couple are concerned, first, that someone would apparently take a shot at such an animal, and that the shooter was firing in the direction of their home and neighbors.

John says the couple know what hunters’ gunshot sound like. This, they say, was a close-range targeting of a bird.

The swan, which used to have a mate, has been visiting their backyard water for about two years. Robin also went on Facebook to call attention to the incident, which several others discussed in the Allentown Borough & Upper Freehold Township NJ Neighborhood Page.

The couple said state troopers and conservation officers from the state’s Division of Fish & Wildlife were at the scene Friday investigating.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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