SAVE OUR SWANS

Mute swans are being killed on our Portage Lakes. According to the local branch of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODNR), 39 mute swans have been shot on Portage Lakes and Nimisila Resevoir during the last four or five years - nine in the spring of 2013.

 

Pursuant to ODNR policy guidelines, the "humane" way to kill swans is to wait until spring when the swans are defending their nest and/or molting when they are vulnerable and can't fly. A shot to the head with a silencer-equipped shotgun is the preferred method, usually in the early morning in less populated areas so as not to upset residents with the muffled sound of gun fire and an unpleasant bloody scene. The alternative method, and sometimes required to insure death after shooting, is to break the swan's neck.

 

On September 25, 2013, at an informal meeting between our local ODNR representative and two lakes residents, the representative stated several times that,"a few swans slipped under the radar this year because we ran out of funds and manpower to finish the job". Continuing, he stated that in the spring of 2014, ODNR will fund more money and manpower for a couple of months, if necessary, to kill the last mute swans on Portage Lakes - preferably before mating season so addling (sterilization) of the eggs won't be required. 

 

Then there will be no more mute swans on Portage Lakes.

 

Mute swans Have been in this country for over 100 years, with many advocates dating their existence in the colony settlements and even earlier - certainly long enough to have been accorded residency as valued neighbors.