Mute Swans
Invasive Species
Obligations
ORC
Charges SP and DOW to manage in the best interest of the natural resources
on the lands we own and manage
OAC
ID
Mute Swan
Non-Native
Trumpeter Swan
Native
Tundra Swan
Native
What is a Wild Mute Swan
What the DOW uses to determine if a mute swan is wild or not:
• Most times not marked (not marked=wild)
• Consider ownership to the property owner if
owner of Mute Swan can not be determined
• Owner liable for damages/injuries though
“The Mute Swan has long been appreciated for its beauty and grace, and
it has been introduced around the world as a captive, decorative bird.
Unfortunately, the Mute Swan has a voracious appetite for plant material,
and is highly territorial and aggressive. Captive swans often escape or are
released and can disrupt natural ecosystems that they come to reside in.
For this reason, many locations have regulations on the ownership of
Mute Swans.” (www.rightpet.com) comment from their website
• We don’t appreciate people releasing wildlife on
state lands without permission
• On PLX, no one has claimed ownership of the
swans
Three Driving DOW Documents
DOW Policy 41
Invasive Species Policy
It is the policy of the Division of Wildlife to humanely dispatch invasive non-native
freeranging terrestrial vertebrates found on Division owned or managed lands. The Division
will strongly encourage other land managing agencies to also eliminate these species
from their lands. The “American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2007 Guidelines For
Euthanasia” will continue to be the standard followed by the Division of Wildlife to
humanely euthanize terrestrial vertebrates. Furthermore, the Division will inform and
educate the public about the potential adverse effects of invasive non-native freeranging
terrestrial species on Ohio’s native wildlife.
Goal of any invasive species is complete removal
Mute Swans
DOW Mute Swan Action Plan
The mute swan action plan has 6 specific goals:
1) Educate the public on the adverse consequences of mute swans on the environment
2) Eliminate any mute swan conflicts which involve human safety
3) Reduce competition between mute swans and trumpeter swans
4) Minimize detrimental impacts of mute swans on native wetland birds
5) Prohibit the release of mute swans into the wild
6) Implement control measures to reduce mute swan numbers in Ohio
Mute Swans
DOW Swan Management Plan
The Swan Management Plan has 4 objectives:
1) Public Outreach and Education
2) Population Monitoring and Research
3) Feral Population Management and Resource Protection
4) Relief of Human Safety and Nuisance Conflicts
Ohio Population Trends
Waterfowl populations can grow rapidly, think of Canada Geese
Populations can go from low to a lot quickly
120
Number of mute swans
100
80
60
40
20
20
12
20
10
20
08
20
06
20
04
20
02
20
00
19
98
19
96
19
94
19
92
0
Year
Mute swans counted during midwinter waterfowl survey in Ohio,1992-2013
Ohio’s Direction
•
•
•
•
•
Finish management plan
Stronger education initiative
Improve surveys
Continue to manage on state lands
Issue permits to private property owners
Ohio is not the only one fighting the fight
Ohio is not the only one fighting the
fight
Location of sightings of mute Swans in 2013 by citizen submission
Ohio is not the only one fighting the
fight
Maryland
Mean annual rate of population increase was 36% from 1962-78.
From 1986 to 1999 the total population in the region increased by 1398%
Michigan
Highest population. Estimate 10,000 swans in the Great Lakes area
Ontario
Ontario population is presently about 2,000 birds and is increasing at 10-15%/year
At this growth rate, the southern Ontario population will double every 7-8 years.
Indiana
Must be pinioned and kept in an enclosure that prevents their escape into the wild
Oregon and Washington
It illegal to import, possess, or sell Mute Swans
Minnesota
Introduction into the wild is prohibited
Possession of captive birds requires a state game farm license and fencing to contain them
New York
1,843 swans just on Long Island in 2008
Illegal to possess and getting ready to allow hunting
California
Unlawful to import, transport, or possess
Ohio is not the only one fighting the
fight
Letter sent to USFWS-Division of Migratory Bird Management (2003)
“PLEASE ACCEPT THE COMMENTS FROM THE 25 ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING MILLIONS OF
AMERICANS IN SUPPORT OF ALTERNATIVE 2, TO REDUCE MUTE SWAN POPULATIONS IN THE
EAST BY TWO-THIRDS, AND TO EVENTUALLY ISSUE A DEPREDATION ORDER TO ELIMINATE
MUTE SWANS IN THE WILD IN THE U.S”
Those that signed letter of support
American Bird Conservancy
Archbold Biological Station
Atlanta Audubon Society
Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central-Atlantic States
Audubon Pennsylvania
Chappee Rapids Audubon Society
Cooper Ornithological Society
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
Delmarva Ornithological Society
Ducks Unlimited
Environmental Defense
Georgia Ornithological Society
Green-Rock Audubon Society
Illinois Audubon Society
International Assn. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Izaack Walton League of America
Madison Audubon Society
Maryland Ornithological Society
National Audubon Society
New Jersey Audubon Society
Riveredge Bird Club
Tennessee Ornithological Society
The Waterbird Society
Wildlife Management Institute
Wisconsin Audubon Council
This was in 2003 before Ohio and many other states realized the large increases
occurring in their state
Mute Swans
History of PLX Management
~2003 = Begin getting increased calls on aggression issues-referred to PL State Park
2004 = US FWS removed protection
500
2006 = Began Egg Addling
450
400
2007 = Began removing adults
Nests
Total
Eggs
10
14
11
7
9
9
6
5
71
Birds
90
83
73
45
54
25
14
24
408
350
Birds
Killed
42
60
35
30
32
20
13
17
249
300
0
28
13
16
0
4
8
9
78
250
200
150
100
50
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Avg Eggs/Nest=5.7 (Validates potential in quick pop. Growth)
We exercise professionalism
Very labor intensive
Showing our commitment
to the importance of mgmt
We take into account:
Human Feelings
Bird Humaneness
Best Tactic for the Situation
Openness to inquiries
Mogadore Res.
120
100
80
Nests
60
Eggs
Birds
Birds Killed
40
This little jump we
Believe is due to our
neighbor (Congress Lake)
allowing production
20
0
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Upset Callers
We expected this, but…..
o Sporadic calls up to this year
o Approximately 40 calls within the last 6 months
o Even a handful of “Thank You” calls
o Most callers understand the why’s once explained to- Proves need for Education
Mute Swans
Water degradation
Ramifications of lack of management
Increased conflicts with recreational users (swimming, fishing,
boating/kayakers/sailboats, etc.)/loss of revenue
Eliminate potential for Trumpeter Swans to nest
Aggression towards migratory birds
Loss of vegetation
Human Safety
Swan kills man in Illinois in 2012
Questions
Contact Division of Wildlife at 330-644-2293