Going Lead Free
Lead ammunition and sinkers can be devastating for wildlife.
A significant concern in the rehabilitation of our avian patients lies in the widespread issue of lead poisoning. Several species, including the Common Loon and Trumpeter Swan, often fall victim as a result of ingesting lead sinkers- small weights used for fishing. Additionally, our raptors, including the iconic bald eagle, are not immune to the effects of lead, often exhibiting alarmingly high lead levels in their bloodstreams. This occurs when these scavengers feed on the carcasses of animals that have been shot with lead ammunition, unwittingly becoming secondary victims of this toxic element.
Lead poisoning, when afflicting avian species, presents a profound and swift menace. This debilitating toxin can lead a once-healthy adult bird to their death in just a few weeks, illustrating the urgency of addressing this issue to protect our diverse wildlife populations.
Here are some resources on how to begin your journey of going lead free!
Lead in the Environment: Switch from lead hunting ammunition and fishing tackle to prevent lead poisoning cases.
Poison Bullets: An excellent article by well-known conservation writer Ted Williams. It was published in Gray’s Sporting Journal, Big Game Issue, September 2023.
Sporting Lead Free: a non-political, educational initiative that has resources to help people through the voluntary choice of lead-free ammunition and tackle.
Common Loon with an ingested Lead Sinker