This species was introduced to North America in the latter part of the 19th century by public officials and the wealthy owners of grand New York estates to decorate their private ponds and city parks with its grace and beauty. Some of these mute swans escaped to east coast marshes, adapting very well to the wild in their new habitat. But unfortunately, as a result of its successful adaptation, the "ugly duckling" once again finds itself to be an unwelcome addition. Here in New Hampshire and along much of the east coast, these feral swans are at the center of a heated controversy.
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