A community of neighbours has rallied around an "aggressive" swan whose antics are feared to have earned him a death penalty.
The high-spirited bird, named Alfie, has caught the eye of the United States Department of Agriculture, and this is unlikely to end well for him.
The swan, regularly seen swimming in Brick, New Jersey, is claimed to have lashed out at people who go near him.
He was also seen attacking a jet ski, according to reports.
As a result, he is set to be euthanised - but residents living nearby have expressed their horror and called for his life to be spared, saying he would be more chilled if people left him alone.
Furious local ToriAnne Neri told News12 : “Killing is never a solution.
"Killing anything is never a good solution. It’s never good to stop a heartbeat."
She is among a group spearheading efforts to save Alfie, a dad of six, NJ 101.5 reports.
The USDA have confirmed that the mute male swan is set to be trapped and killed after being found to be over aggressive.
But his supporters say the fault lies with people taunting him, as well as boaters getting too close and travelling too fast.
He is only trying to help his family, they say.
Irene Almeida told NJ.com : “The swans aren’t doing anything wrong. They live in the wetlands, and they have their babies. They protect the babies."
And neighbour Tony Almeida called on authorities to spare the animal - saying that boats moving too fast through the water are to blame for his behaviour.
They have called on Mayor John Ducey to help obtain a permit that will see the swans relocated - and Alfie's life spared.
Mr Ducey told New Jersey 101.5 that he has been working with neighbours to get Alfie moved to safety.
USDA spokeswoman Tanya Espinosa said: "While we understand that removal of an animal is difficult for people, in situations where aggressive animals are documented, removal may occur to protect health and safety.
"We understand that it may be difficult for people to see an animal removed when they have not experienced the aggression themselves, however, that does not negate the fact that aggression has occurred."
