New York’s mute swans won’t be exterminated, says DEC

The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will revise its management plan for the region’s mute swans, which previously consisted of “eliminating” them entirely, except for some which would be allowed to be raised in captivity.

The revised plan will be released this spring. Recognizing the massive public outcry, the DEC said that it would “consider non-lethal means to achieve the management plan’s intended goals” of minimizing destruction of wildlife, water quality and aviation hazards.

“This is hopeful news,” added Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz of Sheepshead Bay, where mute swans have been a familiar fixture for decades. “Sheepshead Bay wouldn’t be the same without the mute swans.”

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