New York conservationists won't kill mute swans en masse as had been previously proposed -- and delayed for further review by Senator Tony Avella -- but instead eradicate their population from the state through birth control, the New York Post reported. The state hopes to wipe out the species from its borders by 2025.

The alternative plan comes in the wake of fierce opposition to the Department of Environmental Conservation's original plan, on which a decision was delayed two years by Avella a few weeks ago for its inhumaneness (they planned to "gun down" or "gas" the birds, according to the Post) and lack of evidence. Since then, the DEC has received over 16,000 letters as well as a petition with at least 30,000 signatures, according to the Post.

"I was horrified to learn that our state wildlife agency would make such an extreme, unfounded proposal, and do not believe that the DEC has provided evidence to justify the elimination of these beautiful swans," Avella said at the time.

The DEC must have provided more than just a kinder solution to eliminating the swan population, but more proof to back up their previously "unfounded proposal," as Avella put it. Swans, which came over in the 19th century for the purpose of decorating mansions, are considered an invasive species accused of driving out native bird populations, compromising wetlands, and surly behavior towards humans.

But they're still quite a sight, and have won over many a bird lover's heart.

"The big victory is that they're not going to slaughter the swans of Sheepshead Bay," Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz told the Post.