Swan trapped for days hauled to freedom in dramatic RSPCA rescue

A swan trapped in a storm-swollen canal overflow for days was hauled to freedom in a dramatic rescue.

Video footage of the moment the stranded bird was saved has been released by the RSPCA .

He's now said to be thriving after being moved to live in a country park nature reserve.

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The RSPCA said it's likely the swan was 'pursued' off the canal by rivals, as breeding season brings fierce competition for territory and mates.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was called to assist with the rescue on the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham, Trafford.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, Stephen Wickham, carried out a rope rescue with the help of firefighters to reach the stricken bird.

He said he expects similar incidents during the breeding season as birds compete for territory, with cygnets particularly likely to be chased off waters.

"The swan is likely to have been pursued off the canal by rivals and had been trying unsuccessfully to get back onto the main water course over a couple of days," said Stephen.

"The water was quite high because of the recent storms and it wasn't easy to get to him.

"He kept swimming away from me after I got in.

"The water was waist-high and was full of rubbish.

"But we got him out and he was fine.

"Now we have relocated him to a pool at a nature reserve, close to where he was found, where there are only females."

The video captures Stephen with a pole wading through the waters attempting to reach the swan.

He manages to catch hold of him before hoisting him up to waiting firefighters above.

Stephen went to the scene off Deansgate Lane last Saturday - February 26 - after his partner, a qualified swan ringer, spotted social media postings highlighting the bird's plight.

The RSPCA advises