In early August, large mute swans were seen in Solano County's Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. These invasive birds, native to Europe and Asia, weigh up to 30 pounds and have a wingspan of eight feet. They are territorial, often drowning smaller animals and displacing native bird populations across the U.S. Mute swans also feed heavily on underwater vegetation, causing harm to the delicate ecosystems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the largest estuary on the West Coast. They are beautiful but are considered a growing environmental threat to California's wetlands.
Mute swans are invasive species in California, known for their territorial behavior, which includes drowning smaller animals, making them a significant threat to local ecosystems.
This invasive species feeds excessively on submerged vegetation, leading to destruction of plant life that native wetland animals rely on for survival.
Despite their beauty, mute swans displace native bird populations and pose risks to smaller wildlife, highlighting the ecological consequences of introducing non-native species.
Mute swans, although appealing to casual observers, embody a growing threat to the wetlands of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, posing substantial environmental risks.
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