Vandals have been damaging swan nests along the canal which runs from Little Lever to Bury.
Damaged swans' eggs have been found and residents have reported that bricks have been thrown at the birds.
A local resident said: "People think it's some sort of sick joke to destroy the habitat.
"At Nob End people have been throwing bricks at the swans' eggs and destroying them.
"Further along the canal they have been bricking the swans and kicking the ducks back into the canal from the edges."
A spokeswoman from the Canal & River Trust said: "We are very saddened to hear about mindless vandals causing damage and distress to swans by the canal.
"Apart from being cruel to these beautiful birds, swans are actually protected by law, so injuring a swan could ultimately result in a charge of criminal damage.
"If a member of the public comes across an injured swan, the advice is not to approach the bird directly but to contact the RSPCA for help."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel