The theory is that the Mute Swan is not a native to North America and therefore should be eliminated because it supposedly eats the aquatic vegetation necessary for the Native Trumpeter Swans. This unbelievable reasoning has already resulted in swan deaths in several states to include Maryland and some are now wanting to cull in New York. The reasoning behind a lot of this issue is that there are "purists" who believe that if it is not from here as a native it should be culled.

Unfortunately, a lot of this reasoning is not based upon scientific research but rather biased reporting on both sides, from those that want the swans culled and those that do not wish to have the birds culled. The major problem with the excuse that the Mute Swans compete with the Trumpter Swans is that the Trumpeter outweighs the Mute Swans by at least 10 pounds and therefore is the largest species of swans. Using the justification that the Mute Swans eat the aquatic vegetation does not take into account that the larger Trumpeter Swans will eat even more and usually a larger species will fight and win against a smaller species. So, in many instances, this justification may be an invalid one at best.

The best thing that can be done is to start a blog, get as many people involved, especially young people who are extremely computer savvy and in many instances want to save animal species. The more awareness, the writing to public officials to demand the ceasing of culling for not only ethical reasons but also monetary reasoning (there are better ways to spend tax payer monies) will hopefully, put an end to the culling. Public and taxpayer outcry usually gets politicians' attention especially during an election year. The Regal Swan