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Mute Swans Fighting Over Mate In Ohio

A pair of mute swans are seen at the Fernald Nature Preserve in Ross, Ohio, on March 26, 2026. Mute swans are known for their territorial behavior, especially during the spring breeding season. Males, known as cobs, may engage in aggressive encounters with rivals to secure a mate or defend a nesting territory. These pairs often remain together for life and actively protect their area from intruders. (Photo by Jason Whitman/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13497689
Date Taken	26 March 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Jason Whitman/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Jason Whitman/NurPhoto

No People wildlife nature nature photography wildlife photography marshlands wetlands protected lands conservation climate change climate nature preserve nature conservation ohio wildlife mute swans territorial birds mates breeding sites spring males cobs battle rivals drown secure female defend territory nesting territory lifelong pairs aggressive intruders Fernald Nature Preserve Ross Ohio March 26 2026 Jason Whitman NurPhoto fight fiercely nesting birds Ohio territorial battle rivals defend intruders.