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.
May 6, 2021
The owl, safely cozied up in a dog crate and on its way to the Cape Wildlife Center. Photos courtesy: Department of Natural Resources
The owl arrived safely at its destination.
The Wareham Department of Natural Resources lent a hand to an owl in need on Tuesday.
Officers were told about an owl in distress. When they arrived on the scene, the owl seemed to be having a hard time flying, and eventually landed in a small body of water. The bird was able to make it to shore, where an officer captured it.
The bird seemed to have an old eye injury. The officer brought the owl to the Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable for a medical assessment.