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.
WEYMOUTH When the great horned owlet arrived at New England Wildlife Center s Cape Cod facility, it had so much blood on it that veterinary staff thought it had a serious injury.
But after an examination, the owlet showed tell-tale signs of rodenticide poisoning, which causes hemorrhaging and prevents blood from clotting. The owlet died soon after despite receiving a blood transfusion and vitamin K treatment.
Wildlife experts are urging people dealing with rodents to consider other options besides poison, which causes a drawn-out death and has far-reaching implications on other wildlife that prey on mice and rats.
The office of state Rep. James K. Hawkins, D-Attleboro, is working with advocacy groups to soon file a bill to make the use of rodenticides safer for animals that are often inadvertently poisoned.
BARNSTABLE A baby Great Horned Owl is fighting for its life at the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center after its nestling and an adult owl died from ingesting what seemed to be rat poison.
“Sadly, one (tainted) mouse brought to the nest and shared with the family could sicken them all,” said Zak Mertz, executive director of the Cummaquid center that is run by New England Wildlife Centers.
The surviving owlet was given a shot of vitamin K and fluids.
Mertz said the owl, which was rescued Wednesday afternoon, seemed to be doing well during a medical exam Friday morning. The owl was very perky, bright and alert, and he was eating, Mertz said. In our world, if they re eating, that s a very good sign.