Swan Succumbs to Lead Poisoning A Year After Gunshot Wound

Well here’s another in a long line of stories about lead poisoning affecting our wildlife. A swan, who survived being shot over a year ago, has recently succumbed to the lead in its system. Phil Jenni, the executive director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, added that most of the swans that are treated at the center are usually treated for lead poisoning, a result of hunting ammo or fishing tackle.

I’ve reported on several of these stories in the past few months including how several environmental groups petitioned to have the lead taken out of ammo and fishing tackle. However, EPA denied both petitions arguing that it is not within their jurisdiction to enforce such a ban.