Man saved swan from hook tangling.

Good Samaritan Saved a Tangled Wild Swan 

Fred Bowering with his mom and niece went for a picnic in St. Catherines, Ontario.

It was such a good day, blue sky and surrounded by wildlife with clear waters of Martindale Pond.

There was even a beaver that let Bowering get unusually close before diving into the water/ They also saw all different type of birds, geese, even a blue heron. In fact, even the fishes were having fun too.

Swan tangled in fisherman's hook.

But one swan caught Fred's attention, one very miserable-looking swan.

A fishhook was embedded in the bird's neck. The rest of the line snaked down inside her mouth, making it impossible for the swan to even raise her head.

So, his niece had a better idea: "Uncle Freddie, you go in and help it!" she said.

Martindale Pond in St. Catherines, Ontario Canada

They wanted to help the poor swan but who to call? 

Without further notice, Bowering jumped in the water and attempted to help the swan. Talking to the bird the whole time, Bowering managed to catch her. But not without a fight.

Despite all that feathered fury, Bowering managed to hold on.

And suddenly the powerful bird grew calm.

Fred shows the fishermen hook that was tangled to the swan. 

"She realized I wasn't going to hurt her," Bowering says.

Ever so slowly, he pulled the fishing line out of the swan's mouth.

A moment later, the swan glided away, freed from a tether that would likely have killed her.
Fred emerged from the pond, a hero to his niece — and maybe even to that majestic bird. But certainly to us all.

“An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.”

- Martin Buber