Hello,
As many of you know I have been involved with the issues of mute swans
in WA for several decades. The comments posted are appreciated. It is good
to know the sense of the birding and concerned community.
The history of how mute swans became listed as "deleterious wildlife"
in WA is well documented. The fact that mute swans are destructive to our
current native ecosystems is also well documented. In addition, we have
documented that mute swans do hybridize with wild trumpeter swans in British
Columbia.
There were sound, well thought out biological reasons for listing the
mute swan as deleterious here in our state. This was not just two or three
WDFW staff making a snap decision.
If you look at why people want to have mute swans, one of the prime
reasons is that they keep native waterfowl off their lakes and ponds. Is
this what we really want?
The discussion will likely continue. There are alternatives, but my
question to those of you who feel that the birds could be captured and put
somewhere safe: where might this be and who will pay for it? This is not a
rehabilitation issue, WDFW is not in the business of caring for these
animals, and any facility that could take them needs to have the right
space. The cost to do this is extremely high.
If anyone wants to know more about the mute swan issue, their
sterilization, pinioning, etc. please contact me off list. I have extensive
knowledge and experience with this topic.
There are many invasive species in this state that are now causing
major problems. Had they been delt with earlier, we would not have the high
cost to try to reduce or stop the problem now. The mute swan just happens to
be a swan-a big beautiful bird. If this were a zebra mussel, boring beetle,
nutria, etc. what would your thoughts be on the issue of removal? This is
not in support of lethal removal, rather to create an opportunity for viable
options.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Martha Jordan