"Capt. JG" wrote in message
...
Oh no....

Mute swans have become a problem in the Midwest this year. They have
proliferated to the point that there are insufficient "territories" for the
mated pairs. Mute swans are highly territorial, willing to fight all
interlopers who enter their space, especially when mated (they mate for
life) and have signets present. I've watched them chase jet skiers (yeah!)
and swimmers all over the place. The DNRs for both Michigan and Indiana are
considering allowing hunters to shoot a limited number of them. There have
been recorded episodes in which the swans have kept swimmers from reaching
shore, almost drowning two children. And several jet ski riders or
passengers have been knocked off their machines with minor injuries. At
least one dog has been drowned by a mute swan in Michigan. The birds can
weigh up to 39 lbs. and have a wingspan of nearly 6'. We aren't seeing many
Canada geese this year, probably because the swans are driving them away
from our lake.

They don't bother me all that much, at least not when I'm carrying a
double-ended paddle when kayaking. Makes an excellent swan-repeller.

Max