RESIDENTS are being warned to be vigilant as stroll along the canal in Middlewich.

Dog walkers have come across a male swan who became aggressive.

One resident said the swan tried to attack her dog near the bridge in St Anne's Road.

She said: "I know it's only protecting its babies but it's really nasty."

Animal lovers say the swan is only doing what is natural as it feels threatened.

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Expertts say mute swans can be very aggressive in defence of their nests and are highly protective of their mate and offspring.When it perceives a threat, a swan will rear up with dramatically flared wings and hiss, grunt, snort and flap.

Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs on leads at all times.