Mute Swans

Invasive SpeciesObligations

ORC

OAC

Charges SP and DOW to manage in the best interest of the natural resources on the lands we own and manage

ID

Mute Swan Trumpeter Swan Tundra Swan Non-Native Native Native

What is a Wild Mute Swan

• 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

What the DOW uses to determine if a mute swan is wild or not:

Three Driving DOW DocumentsDOW 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 Divisionwill strongly encourage other land managing agencies to also eliminate these speciesfrom their lands. The “American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2007 Guidelines ForEuthanasia” will continue to be the standard followed by the Division of Wildlife tohumanely euthanize terrestrial vertebrates. Furthermore, the Division will inform andeducate the public about the potential adverse effects of invasive non-native freerangingterrestrial species on Ohio’s native wildlife.

Goal of any invasive species is complete removal

Mute SwansDOW 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 SwansDOW 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 GeesePopulations can go from low to a lot quickly

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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 areaOntario 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 wildOregon and Washington It illegal to import, possess, or sell Mute SwansMinnesota Introduction into the wild is prohibited Possession of captive birds requires a state game farm license and fencing to contain themNew York 1,843 swans just on Long Island in 2008 Illegal to possess and getting ready to allow huntingCalifornia 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”

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

Those that signed letter of support

This was in 2003 before Ohio and many other states realized the large increasesoccurring in their state

Mute SwansHistory of PLX Management

~2003 = Begin getting increased calls on aggression issues-referred to PL State Park 2004 = US FWS removed protection 2006 = Began Egg Addling 2007 = Began removing adults

Nests Eggs BirdsBirds Killed

10 90 42 014 83 60 2811 73 35 13

7 45 30 169 54 32 09 25 20 46 14 13 85 24 17 9

Total 71 408 249 781 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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We exercise professionalismWe take into account:

Human FeelingsBird Humaneness

Best Tactic for the SituationOpenness to inquiries

Very labor intensiveShowing our commitment to the importance of mgmt

Avg Eggs/Nest=5.7 (Validates potential in quick pop. Growth)

Mogadore Res.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 20130

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This little jump we Believe is due to our neighbor (Congress Lake) allowing production

Upset Callers

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

We expected this, but…..

Mute Swans

Swan kills man in Illinois in 2012

Ramifications of lack of managementWater degradation

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

QuestionsContact Division of Wildlife at 330-644-2293