"Hunters will soon be allowed to kill mute swans as part of an effort to cull the "destructive, non-native" species statewide, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Starting Jan. 1, anyone with a valid hunting license will be able to kill the invasive waterfowl at any time, according to an agency news release. Landowners and lessees can also kill mute swans at any time without a permit or hunting license."
"Mute swans were first found in the Suisun and Napa marshes during the 2007 Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey, according to the release from Fish and Wildlife. The California population has since grown to 6,900 birds, which are classified as a "restricted and detrimental species unlawful to import, transport or possess." A mute swan is less vocal than other swan species, though not completely silent, and are present year-round."
Starting Jan. 1, anyone with a valid California hunting license may kill mute swans at any time; landowners and lessees may do so without a permit or license. The authorization is tied to state legislation set to expire Jan. 1, 2031. Mute swans were first recorded in the Suisun and Napa marshes in 2007 and the population has grown to about 6,900 birds. The birds are classified as a "restricted and detrimental species unlawful to import, transport or possess." Mute swans are non-native, territorial, consume submerged aquatic vegetation critical to sensitive native species, and are not protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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