Killing Mute Swans? Shameful.
All over the United States, mute swans have been the victims of unnecessary killing just for doing what is natural to them – living, and eating vegetation to survive...
The beautiful mute swan, known for its graceful white body and distinctive orange/red bill, is found up and down the eastern sea board and in areas as far west as Montana and Utah. However, it is still highly disputed whether mute swans are native to the United States or if they were introduced in the 1800s. Either way, swans are now a naturalized, not to mention beautiful, part of our environment. There is no evidence that swans are responsible for meaningful environmental alteration. In fact, it is more likely that they are being used as a scapegoat for our political failure to deal with such environmental problems. We must learn to live with our naturalized wildlife --native and non-native alike--and stop trying to recreate a world that can no longer exist. Brutal and unnecessary killing of mute swans is not a substitute for the humane and enlightened management that these magnificent animals deserve.
Even Slash, famous guitarist from Guns N' Roses, and Nigel Barker, world-renowned photographer, have spoken out against this unnecessary slaughter.
Two states - Maryland and Delaware – in particular have been killing their mute swans at levels that surpass the rest of the country. Despite protests from state residents, thousands of mute swans accused of causing environmental degradation have been killed in only a few short years. To learn more about the slaughter of mute swans in each location and to take action against the killing of mute swans, click on the links below or above.