Story perspectives

California Approves Year-Round Hunting of Invasive Mute Swans

10/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Assembly Bill 764 authorizes year-round hunting of invasive mute swans in California, beginning January 1, 2026.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill to address concerns about the swans' aggressive behavior and ecological damage.
Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Calif.) introduced the measure.
Conservation groups support the legislation, while animal rights advocates call it inhumane and say it reflects a desperate hunting-industry tactic against birds in North America since the late 1800s.

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Story summary

Assembly Bill 764 authorizes year-round hunting of invasive mute swans in California, beginning January 1, 2026.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill to address concerns about the swans' aggressive behavior and ecological damage.
Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Calif.) introduced the measure.
Conservation groups support the legislation, while animal rights advocates call it inhumane and say it reflects a desperate hunting-industry tactic against birds in North America since the late 1800s.