The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment is scheduled to meet this week to vote on a plan aimed at controlling the mute swan population in Michigan.
The bird’s population has increased from about 5,000 ten years ago to about 15,000 in 2010 according to some estimates. The state wants to reduce the population. It says the birds are known to attack people and are not native to Michigan. They are considered an invasive species.
The Michigan Humane Society has voiced concerns with some plans being considered. For example the DNRE is looking at killing thousands of swans on state-owned land and banning licensed swan rehabilitators from rehabilitating sick or injured swans.
The Humane Society says the population can be controlled in other ways. It points to the Canadian geese population that has decreased in size thanks to programs that destroy eggs and nests.
To hear what a local bird rehabilitator has to say about the situation, click on the video above.
