Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by The HD Post Staff
Photo credit: CDFWCALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that new state legislation will allow licensed hunters and landowners to take or possess the invasive mute swan (Cygnus olor) beginning January 1, 2026.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law Oct. 6.
The bill — Assembly Bill 764, adds the mute swan to the list of “nongame birds” that may be taken or possessed under California Fish and Game Code Section 3801.
The list previously included only the English sparrow and the European starling.
Mute swans are native to Eurasia
According to CDFW, mute swans are a non-native species that biologists say pose risks to California’s wetlands. They are non-migratory, aggressive, and feed heavily on submerged aquatic vegetation—disrupting habitat for native waterfowl and other marsh species.
Mute swans are native to northern and central Eurasia and have been domesticated in Europe since the 12th century.
They were imported to the U.S. by private breeders for display in zoos, parks, and estates.
Some swans escaped captivity, while others were likely released intentionally.
Mute swans were detected in the Suisun and Napa marshes during the CDFW’s annual Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey in 2007. Since then, they’ve expanded their range, with the most recent population estimated at about 6,900 birds.
Key provisions of the law
- The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and will expire on January 1, 2031, unless renewed.
- Licensed hunters may legally take or possess mute swans without additional permits.
- Landowners or lessees may take or possess mute swans on their own property without a hunting license or depredation permit.
- The CDFW encourages reporting of any mute swan take or possession and will collect data on enforcement actions.
Report incidents to CDFW
CDFW said the new law provides an additional tool to control this invasive species population.
Members of the public who observe mute swans or take possession under the new law are asked to report the incident to CDFW’s Invasive Species Program online or via email at [email protected]
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