Mute Swans

by Serina and Timothy

Mute swans are beautiful in the world of wildlife. People treat mute swans like a pet. Europe and Asia were first countries to own them. There was an explosion in numbers of mute swans in Maryland.

Mute swans look like ducks. They are white with orange beaks. People brought swans from Europe and Asia in late nineteen century. In 1962 five birds escaped from their owners and the population has grown to 4,000 swans in 1999.

Mute swans are a problem in Maryland. The swans eat underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay. The grasses improve the water and provide a home for waterfowl, fish, and shellfish.

There are a few solutions to the problem with swans. You can spray the swan eggs with vegetable oil to prevent hatching. The swans can be relocated. Or they will have to shoot 1,500 mute swans.

The mute swans are causing many problems in the Chesapeake Bay. Many people are fighting over what to do with this invansive beautiful bird.

References

Mute Swans Spark Loud Debate in Chesapeake Bay by Kim A. O'Connell for National Geographic News

Mute Swans Beautiful but Controversial Birds by Larry J. Hindman for Maryland Department of National Resources