Comment on Littering đŻ
kilgore_trout@feddit.it â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠agoNo, itâs due to these birds eating other human-hunted animals, either alive or their abandoned interiora.
Comment on Littering đŻ
kilgore_trout@feddit.it â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠agoNo, itâs due to these birds eating other human-hunted animals, either alive or their abandoned interiora.
vaultdweller013@sh.itjust.works â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Are folks killing animals and not eating them or butchering them for their materials? Thatâs fucken horrid if so.
Machinist@lemmy.world â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
My guess is that migratory waterfowl eat lead shot when âgrazingâ the bottom of wetlands. This bio-concentrates the lead in eagles when the prey on ducks and such.
kilgore_trout@feddit.it â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
@vaultdweller013@sh.itjust.works Probably that too, but the major cause is that hunters eviscerate the prey on the spot, so that the meat will last longer and retain a better taste.
Despite not being a biologist, it is a topic I deeply care about. I have held a few presentations too, for friends and university colleagues.
Machinist@lemmy.world â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Lead shot for waterfowl hunting has been banned in the US for a few decades. Itâs still used for upland bird hunting. I think itâs still frequently used illegally for waterfowl.
Not an expert, but have a decent laymanâs understanding. Could totally be wrong about the next part:
Itâs my understanding that lead contamination of wild animals through hunting primarily occurs due to various sizes of bird shot. The greater surface area allows a much higher level of contamination. It also forms lead dust in the shell from friction and when fired. Itâs also easier for animals to eat it. Rifle rounds and slugs are fairly inert as the larger size prevents most consumption and less absorption when it is consumed.
vaultdweller013@sh.itjust.works â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Aight I see how thatâd happen. Forgot about the reservoir effect.