Conservationists on Shooting Rampage

Florida conservation officials have killed more than 800 swamphens in the past 18 months in an effort to rid the Everglades of the invasive species.

Shooters with the Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are gunning down the colorful birds they say destroy natural habitat and compete with indigenous bird species, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Saturday.

Many involved in the effort say it is sad, but worthwhile, to shoot so many of the pretty birds. Local residents also say it is a shame, the newspaper said.

But officials say culling the birds, which have been breeding rapidly since they first escaped from bird breeders, amounts to responsible wildlife management.