Hearing about the death of a loon is sad, especially where they are limited in number and the death is avoidable. In early July, one of the only pair of loons on Mack Lake this year died from lead poisoning from lead fishing tackle. As longtime Mack Lake resident Char Young explained, “I can’t remember a time that there haven’t been loons on the lake and being able to look forward to baby loonlets.”
What happened?Young noticed the loon on the south shore, hiding behind a log near shore. The loon was sitting upright, moving its head but not appearing quite right. Suspecting something was wrong with it, Young contacted the Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital and was referred to loon specialists called Loon Rescue, operated by Kevin and Linda Grezner. Two of their loon specialists called and discussed the loon’s condition.
Sadly, the loon didn’t survive the night. Young took the loon to the Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital in Spooner. While they typically focus on eagles and other raptors, as a courtesy, Dr. Kim Ammann did an x-ray which showed the ingested lead fishhook. The loon could have picked up the lead tackle anywhere in the area, as they are strong fliers.
Easy to avoid lead Death from lead poisoning of loons, waterfowl, eagles, swans, turtles and other wildlife can be avoided by cleaning out tackle boxes and switching to lead-free tackle. Alternative non-poisonous materials may include tin, bismuth, steel, titanium and tungsten-nickel alloy.
Among local places to buy lead-free tackle:
Spooner OutletShell Lake Marine
Safely dispose of lead tackleNorthwest Regional Planning Commission accepts lead tackle for recycling; avoid putting it in the trash. Since this year’s Washburn County drop-off event has already taken place, call 715.635.2197 for an appointment when staff will be available.
For more information, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/fishhealth/gettheleadout. Also, watch for upcoming article on the related topic of lead hunting ammunition.
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