Despite a lack of scientific evidence, mute swans are
blamed for ecosystem damages in the Chesapeake Bay and other areas.
The purported mute swan issue is the motivating factor
driving an effort to de-list 94 species form the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act.
HR 4114 would eliminate protection for non-native species,
leaving them vulnerable to hunting, depredation measures and other
killings. As well as a lack of scientific foundation for the measure,
opponents of HR 4114 say it would also violate international law
since the MBTA was created in accord with multinational agreements
protecting migratory species.
HR 4114 moved from the House Committee on Resources to the
full House on June 3. Contact Kathryn Burton of SOS – Save
Our Swans. KBurton759@aol.com
