Mute Swans

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