Bancroft Field Naturalists
Get the Lead Out:
a new local initiative to help protect our wildlife
The Problem
Lead is toxic. It has been removed from pipes, paint, shotgun shot, and many other items we use. However, in Ontario, it is still legal to possess and use lead fishing tackle.
This becomes a problem when lead sinkers, jigs or lures are lost in our lakes. Loons, swans, ducks, and other waterfowl can ingest lead that ends up on the bottom. They scoop it up when gathering the small pebbles which they need to help digest their food. In addition, eagles, otters, mink, turtles and other animals may ingest lead when they eat fish that have swallowed it.
What Happens?
Lead (Pb )is a neuro-toxin, which attacks the nervous system and can lead to blindness, decreased reproductivity, seizures, and death. It is very harmful to all living beings, including humans. Lead is fatal to loons and other aquatic life in amounts as small as the tip of a pencil, causing an agonizing death over a 2-3 week period.
In some regions, lead poisoning is the #1 cause of death for common loons.
Visit fishleadfree.ca for more information.
How to Help
Bring us your lead fishing tackle and we will dispose of it for you.
In return, you will receive a $10 voucher to be used on the purchase of lead-free tackle products at Mack Attack Outdoors in Bancroft, while supplies last.
Come to one of our meetings, see us at the Bancroft Farmers Market on July 4 or August 8, or contact us to arrange a swap.
We are grateful to Mack Attack Outdoors for supporting our program!
In addition, please sign our petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly, to eliminate the use of lead tackle of a size harmful to wildlife.