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There has been a large growth
in wild mute swan populations over the past few decades. While
mute swans have been a scenic touch to many ponds and lakes,
they have turned into a growing concern for conservationists
in some states. There are many reasons for concern, including
the local wildlife. Mute swans are native to Europe and
Asia and were brought to North America in the late nineteenth
century by European immigrants. Over time, some escaped or were
deliberately released into the wild. In Maryland, five captive
mute swans escaped in 1962. Now there are around 4,000 of these
birds in Maryland as a result. Their numbers increase rapidly
because they have no natural predators. The problem with having
mute swans wild in North America is that the environment is not
set up to handle them. These swans have large territories that
average 13 acres that usually include a small lake or pond, which
they strongly defend during the nesting season. There have been
reports of mute swans driving out, attacking, and killing other
local species, some of which are endangered. Reports have also
been made of mute swans attacking humans. They attack by striking
with their powerful wings, which can cause great damage. Also,
mutes consume a large amount of aquatic vegetation, upon which
other native species, such as waterfowl, depend. These swans
have been making it harder for local wildlife, including trumpeter
swans, in some areas. There are wild mute swans currently residing
in Iowa. While they do not have huge numbers here, there is a
chance their numbers could drastically increase if not watched,
which could impact our trumpeter swan reintroduction and wetland
maintenance efforts. In some states, such as Maryland, there
are efforts by conservationists to |
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