Cape Cod Times
Even though the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl was banned in 1991, wildlife hospitals on Cape Cod continue to see 50-70 cases of lead poisoning a year.
Most of these tend to be waterfowl, such as swans, ducks and geese. Lead poisoning in waterfowl is an issue with a long history, not just in the Cape area, but nationwide.
Wild Care Cape Cod in Eastham receives and treats 10-20 patients per year, while the Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable, a branch of New England Wildlife Centers, cares for around 50.
There are probably thousands more with levels of lead in their system that go unnoticed, according to Zak Mertz, director of the Barnstable rescue.