Mute swans can be found in lakes, ponds, and rivers but are not native to North America, They were first brought to North America to decorate ponds and lakes in towns and cities. According to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology , " their aggressive behavior and voracious appetites often disturb local ecosystems, displace native species, and even pose a hazard to humans".
Mute Swans were very visible at Lake Logan until two years ago when Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) removed them from the lake , a point to controversy even today. A news report about the event: http://nbc4i.com/2015/10/21/odnr-shoots-much-loved-mute-swans-at-lake-logan/ and a book written by Bud Simpson further details the event: Nature's Way: The Mute Swans of Lake Logan, Ohio.
An interesting fact: "The Mute Swan is reported to mate for life. However, changing of mates does occur infrequently, and swans will remate if their partner dies. If a male loses his mate and pairs with a young female, she joins him on his territory. If he mates with an older female, they go to hers. If a female loses her mate, she remates quickly and usually chooses a younger male".
More information about the Mute Swan can be found at: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mute_Swan/lifehistory
A few photos taken by me of mute swans and Lake Logan and elsewhere. Enjoy!
