Michigan’s Mute Swans: A Deadly and Dangerous Invasive Species

I know I know...you can't imagine anyone wanting to harm such a beautiful, majestic, gentle creature. While I agree they are lovely and splendid, one swan species is the opposite of gentle. Mute swans are non-native and tremendously aggressive members of the swan family, which wreaks havoc on plant life, native species, and people in Michigan. These highly territorial and surprisingly strong birds attack boaters, swimmers, and anything that gets too close to their nesting grounds.

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There was even a case in 2012 of a mute swan attacking and killing a kayaker in Chicago, Illinois. While it may be hard to believe the animal that inspired Hans Christian Anderson's 'The Ugly Duckling' is a killer bird, this species of swan can pose a danger to anyone it sees as a threat.

Knowing the Difference Between Michigan's Swan Species

Michigan has three regularly seen swan species: Trumpeter, Tundra, and Mute. While all three species have black on their bills, mute swans are the only species that mix in orange coloring. While it's always a good idea to put a healthy distance between you and any wild animal, give the mute swan a few extra yards at least.

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These birds are huge, too. Mute swans' wingspan can reach between 7 and 8 feet, weigh 25 to 30 pounds, and reach a height of 4 feet. So, what do you do if you have an aggressive mute swan in your neighborhood, lake, or property?

'Removing' Nuisance Mute Swans From Property in Michigan

Suppose you feel a mute swan is dangerous to you, your neighborhood, or your area's habitat. Under certain circumstances, when the bird or nest is on private land, you can petition the Department of Nature Resources to either remove it or remove it yourself. YOU MUST RECEIVE PERMISSION FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE REMOVING A MUTE SWAN.

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It's estimated that there are over 15,000 mute swans in Michigan. If you see one, appreciate its majestic beauty from a distance, or risk seeing how genuinely aggressive Michigan's invasive swan species can be.