PEOPLE were left feeling concerned after spotting a dead swan by the river.
Amid another outbreak of Avian Flu, people feared the bird may have been infected.
An upset pedestrian discovered the dead swan on the east bank of the river path, near Heart of Worcestershire College.
After the recent spate of heavy rain, the River Severn burst its banks at South Parade in Worcester towards the end of last week.
It meant swans had more space to wander around the footpath while it was momentarily covered in water.
Marilyn McCarthy, from The Swan Food Project, said the death of the swan is likely to be natural and is urging people not to panic.
She said: "When there is a flood, swans in Worcester have more space and start swimming at Pitchcroft.
READ MORE: Worcester floods when River Severn in Worcester will peak
"They have more space to move around and find food for themselves.
"We can't stop swans from dying in the winter.
"The swan was on the bank but I don't think it was linked to the overflowing river.
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"You can't stop birds from dying, but it can be difficult for people, finding wildlife that has been killed can be upsetting.
"The volunteers who work with us have to be very resilient.
"But these are wildlife, you can't protect them the same way you can project pets, with wild creatures they have to look after themselves.
"A lot of rescue centres are not taking in birds because of avian flu, just in case, the other birds currently in care catch it.
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"The volunteers can't do anything if a bird is injured, the bird will need more care than just one the riverside.
"We are from Worcester and we are lucky to have such beautiful creatures living near us, but we also see the other side of it. Having wildlife close to us, you see the full picture of their lives and have other problems in their lives.
"And now and again there are these accidents just like there are for humans."
The Swan Food Project will be holdings its Big Christmas Swan Feed this year on South Quay in Worcester over three days.
Starting Boxing Day, people will be given a sack of pellets on each of the three days to feed the birds in the swan sanctuary.
It will also take place on Thursday, December 29 and Sunday, January 1.
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