Hi Melanie: Do you know if the swans are captive (owned by someone)? What species?

If they are owned, shooting someone's animal could bring criminal charges. It is also the responsibility of the owner to keep the swans in their area. The swans are looking for a nesting site at this time of the year which is making them very territorial and defensive. The swans should be placed in a safe nesting pen secure from predators.

If the swans are wild, shooting them could also bring criminal charges. If they are Trumpeters or Tundras they are federally protected. If there is a safe area near the pond or lake with reeds or areas for nesting away from people, straw and food ( mixture of cracked corn and poultry layer pellet should be provided to lure and keep the birds in that area. If none of this is applicable, contact a waterfowl or wildlife rehabilitation facility to see if they can help. But please do not kill the birds because of their natural nesting instinct. The Regal Swan