This prevents undesirable volunteer crops, disease and pest outbreaks. Trumpeter Swans can, however, also be a nuisance. On flooded fields swans can create bathtub size craters while searching for food. These craters create hazardous conditions for farm equipment and their operators. Trumpeter Swans can cause permanent crop damage to grass fields by overgrazing and by pulling out grass plants while foraging.
Swans can also cause soil compaction by trampling wet areas of fields with their large feet.
When this occurs farmers have to replant, resulting in added expense and forage loss. Wildlife agencies throughout North America actively manage Trumpeter Swans. A variety of programs are currently being implemented. The Canadian Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and local farmers have cooperated on a comprehensive Trumpeter Swan Management Project in the Comox Valley, BC since 1991. Management Activities Monitoring swan behaviour is an important aspect of developing successful swan management programs.