Mute Swan

Mute Swan, Cygnus olor

The Mute Swan, named for being a less vocal swan, is a species native to Eurasia that was introduced multiple times during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Valued by some for their beauty in ornamental ponds and gardens, this highly aggressive species is a threat to many native waterfowl species. The establishment of this swan has become a huge concern mainly along the Atlantic Coastline, especially near Long Island which was unfortunately a location for one of the largest known releases of this bird.  Very recently, Texas, specifically Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, has become a possible new spot for the Mute Swan. As of when this photo was taken, only one swan has found its way to the refuge, but if it ever finds a mate it could spell disaster. Sadly, it seems that this particular swan was likely a pet that has not been search for or recaptured. It will come closer when whistled for. While the current age of this one is not known, it should be noted that in the wild these swans can live for about two decades. From what I was told, due to certain laws and regulations, there is nothing they can do at the refuge to remove this swan except hope that a coyote might get his paws on this exotic meal.

Just to clarify the potential disaster this could spell, remember that Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl due to the location of the refuge within the Central Flyway. The highly aggressive Mute Swan, who has remained year round, can readily establish a stable non-migratory population that could disrupt the nesting habits of multiple local and migratory species.