(ECNS) -- A suspect is still at large after damaging black swan eggs at the Slender West Lake scenic spot in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, on Saturday afternoon, Beijing Youth Daily reports.
A man in his 20s broke into a protected area, where tourists caught him stealing black swan eggs. The man struck two swans that were trying to protect the eggs, injuring one of their wings, according to an online post.
The photos showed two swans standing by the smashed eggs, unwilling to leave. One looked down at the ground, while the other moaned toward the sky.
A witness surnamed Jiang said the intruder seized four or five eggs. "The swan then pecked him, and he kicked it in return."
Many tourists tried to persuade him to return the eggs, but he ignored them. Jiang said the swan lost a small part of its skin.
An employee at the scenic spot said the swan's wing did not bleed, adding that "It is in good condition."
Security patrols have been tightened up around the area.
