Editor, Times-Union: My wife and I first visited North Webster five years ago. We were struck by the serenity of Lake Webster and the mute swans that graced the water. Swans were new to us. We loved them. When we became permanent residents, our visitors were delighted to view the majestic, beautiful birds as they patrolled Kiser, Backwater and Webster Lakes. Unfortunately, however, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and a few local “hunters” did not share our fondness of them. All the mute swans on Kiser Lake have been shot. The large flock that inhabited Backwater were similarly eliminated. Lake Webster mute swans met a similar fate. Swans used to call the Tri County Nature Preserve home but you won’t find any there now either. The IDNR gave permits to hunters allowing them to totally eradicate every mute swan from area waters. To the Indiana Department of Natural Resources I have these questions: 1. Why was it necessary to allow every single swan to be shot? Wouldn’t reduction of the flock rather than total elimination have been a better option? 2. Do area residents get any say in this matter? 3. It is my understanding the purpose behind the mute swan slaughter was to invite the native trumpeter swan back to the area. How do you know they will return? 4. Is the mute swan responsible for negatively impacting the fish population and aquatic plant life? If so, then why aren’t their problems with the ecosystem in Europe, which is home to the mute swan? 5. Why were Kiser, Backwater and Webster Lakes targeted for the massacre? Are the swans on the Barbee Chain or Lake Papakeechie next? What about Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee? Are those mute swans in jeopardy? 6. Is there anything residents can do to protect the very few remaining mute swans? I saw a picture of 40 dead swans in a pile. I could not feel anyone did our area a service. I’ve heard reports of wounded swans floundering in icy water. Who could do that? I am asking anyone who might have video footage or pictures of the slaughtered swans to send them to Fort Wayne and South Bend TV stations to create public interest and draw attention to poor policy and inhumane treatment of wildlife. Sometimes it takes one voice to stand up and say, “This is wrong.” Any remaining mute swans in the area will be a hunter’s target practice unless citizens unite to do something about it. Kevin McGonagle North Webster
