‘A problematic species’: California to allow hunting of ‘very aggressive’ swans

Wildlife officials say mute swans degrade habitats and aggressively displace native species. Photograph: Garry F McHarg/Shutterstock

A new law in California will allow year-round killing of non-native swans starting next year – a move that some officials have said is essential to protect the state’s already diminished wetlands and native waterfowl, but which others have labeled as “inhumane”.

Mute swans, which have been valued as ornamental birds, have rapidly expanded across California, where wildlife officials say they degrade habitats and aggressively displace native species.