Illustration by Alice Goodridge
Effectively arrested for his behaviour, Mr ASBO swan is an extreme illustration of how people can be scared by a mute swan (Cygnus olor). For three years, rowers in the River Cam in Cambridge reported being attacked by a particularly aggressive swan. He even capsized a lone rower and attacked him with his beak. Mr ASBO had supporters who argued that the swan had a right to be in the river-his home-that superseded the leisure pursuits of people. Conservators of the River Cam were granted a license by Natural England to move him. Mr ASBO and his mate were captured and taken 60 miles away. His wings were clipped to prevent him returning.