About 40 percent of Minnesota's trumpeter swan fatalities are caused by lead poisoning. Illegal shooting is the second largest threat to Minnesota's trumpeter swans. Typically vandalism, not hunting, is the threat. But hunters do need to know the difference between swans and snow geese to prevent accidents. Ongoing education efforts are necessary to teach hunters the differences between trumpeter swans and other waterfowl.
Power lines are responsible for some trumpeter swan losses.
Cooperation with power companies to install markers on wires in appropriate areas will help minimize this threat. Funding for trumpeter swan restoration is an ongoing need. Minnesota's Trumpeter Swan Restoration Project is funded by the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program through donations from taxpayers to the Nongame Wildlife Checkoff on state tax forms. Additional funding comes from direct private donations. All rights reserved.