Rescue Group Struggles to Catch Loose Toucan in Las Vegas

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Las Vegas animal rescue group, SouthWest Exotic Avian Rescue (SWEAR), has been trying for three months to capture a loose toucan spotted flying around various locations in the city. The toucan, believed to be an escapee named Sam Toucan, has proven elusive, with well-meaning residents chasing it away during previous capture attempts. SWEAR is asking the public to report sightings but not approach or feed the bird, as they continue to set traps baited with bird-friendly meals.

Why it matters

Loose exotic birds can pose risks to public safety and their own wellbeing, as they may not be equipped to survive in an urban environment. The rescue group's efforts to capture the toucan safely are important to protect both the bird and the community.

The details

The African toucan has been spotted in locations around Las Vegas, including the Los Prados Golf Course and Floyd Lamb Park, since at least November 2025. A local resident, Katherine Eddington, initially mistook the bird for a crow eating a banana when she saw it fly over an intersection. The rescue group SWEAR has been trying to capture the toucan for three months, but their efforts have been hampered by well-meaning residents attempting their own capture attempts and chasing the bird away.

• The toucan has been spotted in Las Vegas since at least November 2025.
• SWEAR has been trying to capture the bird for the past three months.

What’s next

SWEAR continues to set traps and ask the public to report sightings of the toucan, but not approach or feed the bird, as they work to capture it safely.