Wildlife

Wild Migratory Waterfowl Lead Shot Ingestion

Waterfowl ingest spent lead shot from lake sediments while feeding, causing widespread chronic lead poisoning at population scale.

Key Facts

Lead shot bans for waterfowl hunting were implemented in the US in 1991
Legacy lead shot remains in wetland sediments decades after the ban
Swans and diving ducks are particularly vulnerable to sediment-associated lead ingestion
Some countries including many in Europe have not yet implemented full non-toxic shot requirements

Welfare Considerations

Lead shot ingestion causes progressive neurological deterioration and death in affected waterfowl. Population-scale lead poisoning from legacy sediment contamination continues despite regulatory changes. Each year of delay in full non-toxic shot implementation adds to cumulative sediment lead burden.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory non-toxic shot requirements in all European countries
Advocate for wetland lead remediation research and implementation
Donate to waterfowl rehabilitation centers treating lead poisoning
Follow waterfowl lead exposure research and policy developments