Majestic mute swans were introduced to North America in the 19th century to add beauty to parks and estates. Now, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to reduce swan populations from the current 15,500 to 2,000 by 2030.

The DNR will shoot the birds on private and public land, disposing of their bodies in landfills. Wildlife rehabilitators are prohibited from taking in and caring for sick and injured swans, and are expected to give up any swans currently in their care.

Mute swans are being targeted because of their non-native status, as well as the belief that they damage wetlands. No reputable studies prove that these swans significantly damage wetlands, and the DNR can control populations more humanely by discouraging nesting around lakes. Please sign the petition to convince the DNR to end their mute swan killing policy.

To: Michigan Department of Natural Resources,

We, the undersigned, are concerned with your plans to cull Michigan's mute swans, reducing their populations from 15,500 to 2,000 by 2030. We are especially troubled by the violent and degrading methods of killing and disposing of the birds, as well as your policy against wildlife rehabilitators taking in the birds.

While we understand that mute swans are an invasive species, there are no reputable studies to prove that they significantly damage wetland environments. Populations can be controlled with more humane methods, such as discouraging nesting around lakes. We believe it is unnecessary and cruel to shoot them and to prevent caring individuals from rehabilitating sick and suffering birds. Please end your swan cull in favor of cruelty-free control options. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.