| |
3.
Use lead-free shot and fishing weightsLead
enters the natural environment in many forms, but the most common contamination
results from lead ammo and fishing gear. Lead shot strewn across shooting ranges
or hunting grounds are swallowed down with mouthfuls of vegetation by grazing
terrestrial turtles and tortoises. Gut piles and unrecovered game that carries
lead ammunition in its flesh distribute their deadly burden of plumbism along
with coveted protein to carrion-eaters, such as ornate box turtles. Fishing weights
attached to tackle stolen by submerged logs, overhanging tree branches, or feisty
bowfins eventually find their way into a swimming fish meal or an aquatic grave
of bottom muck. From either or both of these sources, foraging aquatic turtles,
snappers, soft-shelled turtles, and sea turtles ingest the metallic load, leading
to brain damage, systemic poisoning, and eventual death. |
| A bass pulled from
Fayette Lake with lead-free tackle. |
Alternatives to
lead shot and tackle are readily accessible, cheap, and, in some cases (like copper
bullets), better performers. So, the next time you plan a restocking trip to Cabela’s
or your local outfitter or gun store of choice, be sure to target their lead-free
options. See
Top
ten ways Texans can help our turtles and tortoises
Tip 1
- 2 - 3
- 4 - 5
- 6 - 7
- 8 - 9
- 10 ©
Bonnie Wroblewski
http://www.dovekeywildlife.org
May 26, 2011
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