Tragic Sygnet Death on East Sussex Roads Sparks Wildlife Rescue Warning
The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has issued a stark warning to drivers after a young cygnet was killed in a road accident near Alfriston on Monday, July 15.
Heartbreaking Incident Caught by Motorist
Trevor Weeks, WRAS founder, revealed the grim scene: “A concerned motorist called us at 11:40 AM after witnessing the crash. Sadly, the cygnet struck died instantly. Thankfully, another cygnet was quickly moved to safety by a kind driver.”
Responders, including Trevor and Senior Rescuer Keith Ring, rushed to the scene. They found the second frightened cygnet in a drainage dyke and rescued it using long poles and nets, later reuniting it safely with its family.
Rising Wildlife Road Casualties Raise Alarm
The incident highlights a worrying rise in wildlife road deaths. WRAS handles hundreds of confirmed and suspected road casualties yearly. So far in 2024, they’ve dealt with 165 confirmed and 149 suspected cases.
“About 90% of known casualties are linked directly or indirectly to human activity,” Trevor Weeks stressed. The charity urges motorists to slow down, especially in wildlife hotspots marked by council warning signs.
Danger Zones & How You Can Help
- High-risk areas include A27 Beddingham, A259 Pevensey to Little Common, C7 Lewes to Newhaven, Ersham Road in Hailsham, A22 and A26 near Little Horsted, and around Polegate.
- In Eastbourne, Sevenoaks Road, Lottbridge Drove, Royal Parade, and Princes Road see frequent swan collisions due to turbulence.
- Motorists should be extra cautious near waterways, ponds, and rural roads where visibility is poor.
Young birds learning to fly, swans, ducks, and geese on the move searching for food, plus young foxes and badgers exploring unfamiliar territory, all increase risks on roads.
Despite efforts to protect habitats amid urban development, road dangers remain high. Some gardens and estates now serve as crucial refuges, helping boost local hedgehog numbers.
For more on high-risk spots and how to support WRAS’s vital work, visit the WRAS Road Casualties Map and check out their Vital Summer Staff Appeal.
