Some of Ballarat's most cherished residents have been found dead with their necks removed around Lake Wendouree.
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Rescuers believe a human is responsible for the deaths of the two black swans.
The incidents have shocked and disgusted wildlife advocates and volunteer rescuers, who found the bodies - the first, about five weeks ago, was found on the western side of Lake Wendouree, missing its head and neck.
The body was removed by City of Ballarat park officers.
READ MORE: Swan count is down at Lake Wendouree
The second body was found nearby on June 3 - rescuers informed a vet, who concluded a human caused the damage and immediately phoned police.
Ballarat police confirmed an investigation into the incidents had begun, and witnesses were being sought.
In graphic photos taken by the rescuers, and seen by The Courier, a swan torso missing a neck sits by the water's edge after the first incident, while a second photo, from June 3, shows a close-up of the second torso's wound, with neck bones visible.
The state Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning is responsible for wildlife around the lake.
DELWP's chief conservation regulator, Kate Gavens, said in a statement offenders faced huge penalties.
"We take harming wildlife very seriously," she said.
"All wildlife in Victoria is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. Killing, harassing or disturbing wildlife can attract a penalty of up to $8000 and an additional fine of more than $800 per animal."
READ MORE: Lake Wendouree swans: rescuer's tips
Ballarat volunteer rescuer Jessica Robertson said it was "savage" and "disturbing".
"The second one was taken to a vet, we needed to know what happened - it was so similar to the first one, we needed some clarification," she said.
"It was confirmed it was from a human, it wasn't from another animal.
"If anything's found, it needs to be reported to the police."
Last week, in a message urging drivers to take care around the swans, City of Ballarat mayor Ben Taylor said the swans are "a major drawcard" to the city.
"Our swans are a wonderful feature of our city and it is up to us to protect them," he said.
In a statement on Tuesday, council's acting infrastructure and environment director Darren Sadler said council is reviewing the incident.
"The City of Ballarat was unaware of the attack on the swan until contacted by police," he said.
"We will continue to monitor CCTV footage in the Lake Wendouree precinct for anti-social behaviour and inform Victoria Police of any concerns."
Lake Wendouree is home to dozens of black swans (Cygnus atratus) in territorial colonies, and can often be seen wandering through parks and playgrounds.
Ms Robertson said the community needed to help protect the swans, and she was concerned there had been more injuries and deaths reported this year.
"It's not just the two birds with their throats cut, we know that cars do purposefully run them down occasionally, and locals are aware of that," she said.
"Any member of the public that finds anything around the lake, should phone Wildlife Victoria or (local rescue organisation) BADGAR."
Drivers around the lake should take care, as swans often cross the road or linger.
People are also urged not to feed the swans, as this can cause health issues as well as affect territoriality, and make the animals less afraid of vehicles.
Rescuers have previously called for stronger enforcement around the lake, and additional infrastructure, like speed bumps or permanent 40km/h zones.
The Ballarat-based vet referred enquires to police, and Victoria Police Media has been contacted for comment.
Anyone who finds injured wildlife at Lake Wendouree can phone 0417 380 687, or Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300, or send an online enquiry through the website.
There are a number of signs around the lake with this information.
To report dead wildlife, phone the City of Ballarat on 5320 5500.
Anyone who has information about this incident should report it by phoning DELWP on 136 186, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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