Scientific Name: Cygnus olor
Damage:
There is a debate surrounding this exotic species (it is not a native of North
America as it was imported from Europe in the late 1800's), regarding whether
or not it is a threat to native ecosystems.
Here are the facts:
- Their longer necks allow them to remove pond vegetation at deeper levels
then other birds possibly harming the ability of native geese to reach food.
- Mute swans tend to pull up plants by the roots thereby hindering the plant's
ability to replenish.
- Must swans are very aggressive in defending their territory. (some people
have imported them in hopes of keeping Canada Geese away. This has met with
mixed results. Warning: no one should translocate wildlife without explicit
permission from their state's wildlife agency.)
Research Materials
Massachusetts Wildlife No.1 2001 "Beast or Beauty?" by Bill Delorey.
pp. 30-35.
Disclaimer: WDC seeks to provide accurate, effective and responsible information
on resolving human/wildlife conflicts. We welcome suggestions, criticisms to
help us achieve this goal. The information provided is for informational purposes
only and users of the information use it at their own risk. The reader must
consult state/federal officials to determine the legality of any technique in
the reader's locale. Some techniques are dangerous to the user and to others.
WDC encourages readers to obtain appropriate training (see our informational
literature at our Store ), and understand that proper animal damage
control involves patience, understanding that not every technique/method works
for every situation or even 100% of the time. Your use of this information is
governed by this understanding.
We welcome potential users of the information
and photos to simply ask for permission via e-mail. Finally, WDC welcomes
e-mail but understand that all e-mails become property of Wildlife Damage Control.
6/21/02
|
