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ICYMI: Ell Pond Swans Mel And Rose Are Fine, Says Animal Control Officer

Although their eggs have disappeared, Melrose's mascots are okay.

Tuesday, Melrose officials took to the internet to explain to concerned citizens that Ell Pond residents Mel and Rose are perfectly healthy, and will be done more harm than good by well-intended human interactions, including attempts to clean up the pond.

However, the couple’s eggs appear to have vanished from their nest.

Animal Control Officer Coral Hope told the city’s official blog that she does not suspect the disappearance is the work of vandals.

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Rather, a natural predator - a raccoon for instance - may be present nearby Ell Pond. The eggs could also have been defective from the get-go.

Hope also noted that there’s enough time left in nesting season for Rose to lay more eggs, should she opt to do so.

Find out what's happening in Melrosefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More info is available via the original City of Melrose Blog post.

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