Mute Swans
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.
6/21/02