Man stops car on I-75 to help swans cross freeway in Auburn Hills

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – A pair of adult swans and a little baby swan had some help crossing Interstate 75 Tuesday morning in Auburn Hills.

The swans were holding up traffic as they tried crossing near I-75 and University at about 7:30 a.m.

Cars slowed to let the swans cross, and as they approached the shoulder, a man exited his vehicle, and helped shoo them off the freeway completely.

View: Traffic Map

We at Local 4 do not condone this behavior, but it did make for some fun video. Other drivers were probably not very happy with his actions, but the swans were safely moved to the grass.

Adult swans typically nest in pairs, rather than in colonies. Male swans are called the cob, and female swans are called a pen.

Swan babies are called cygnets until they are more than a year old. Most can swim at birth, but at times, cygnets will follow their parents until they are old enough to swim on their own. 

Mute swans are the most common in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says they pose a growing threat to native animals, habitat and people. The DNR is actively working to decrease its population in the state.


About the Author:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.