‘Destructive’ swans in the crosshairs as California allows hunting

Hunters will soon be allowed to kill mute swans as part of an effort to cull the “destructive, non-native” species across the state, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Starting Jan. 1, anyone with a valid hunting license will be able to kill an invasive waterfowl at any time, according to a news release from the agency. Landowners and tenants can also kill mute swans at any time without a hunting permit or license.

The move was authorized by new state legislation set to expire Jan. 1, 2031.

Mute swans were first discovered in the Suisun and Napa Marshes during a 2007 waterfowl population survey, according to a report in Fish and Wildlife. Since then, California's population has grown to 6,900 birds, which are classified as a “restricted and noxious species, the importation, transportation or possession of which is prohibited.”

The mute swan is less noisy than other swan species, although not completely silent, and is present year-round. They are also not protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act because they were introduced to North America in the mid-1800s.

The species is considered territorial and does not get along well with other wintering birds, according to Fish and Wildlife. They also feed mainly underwater aquatic vegetationwhich is limited in California and is essential for sensitive native species.

Fish and Wildlife also tolerates two other invasive nongame birdsThe English sparrow and European starling will be killed by licensed hunters, according to the report.

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