Canada Geese Die After Ingesting Lead Pellets in DuPage County

Large Uptick of Lead Poisoning Cases Found Near Lombard Lagoon

Between November 14 and December 10, more than two dozen Canada geese were found to have lead toxicosis, commonly called lead poisoning, near the Lombard Lagoon in DuPage County. The birds were first discovered by volunteers with the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors. In the 27-day period, 26 geese tested positive for lead poisoning, up from 12 in all of 2023. Eleven of the birds died.

Birds Ingested Hundreds of Lead Pellets

Sarah Reich, head veterinarian at the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, said that most of the sick birds were found on the shore of Lombard Lagoon, but three were found at a retention pond in Addison and two were found at North Terrace Pond in Villa Park. Several of the birds ingested several hundred lead pellets, which are smaller than the sprinkles on a doughnut and can cause many health problems.

Lead Pellets Seen in X-ray

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Geese Ingest Lead Pellets While Eating Grass

Sarah Reich believes that the geese are ingesting lead shot, but an officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said that there could be another source. The officer, who did not want to be named, said that it looks like sediment that could have been at the bottom of a waterway. It could be runoff, which would be an EPA concern, but it’s still pending investigation.

Treatment for Lead Poisoning

The treatment for geese with lead poisoning is complex, Reich said. The birds need to be intubated and a stomach pump is used to remove the lead pellets. Reich said that if you’re lucky, you can get all the pellets out in one try, but a few of the birds had to have a second procedure.

Wildlife Experts Don’t Know the Source of the Lead Pellets

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Investigation Ongoing

The IDNR is investigating the source of the lead pellets and has notified local law enforcement. The EPA is also involved in the investigation.

Conclusion

The recent uptick in lead poisoning cases among Canada geese in DuPage County is a concerning trend. Wildlife experts are working to determine the source of the lead pellets and prevent further harm to the birds.

FAQs

* Q: What is lead toxicosis?
A: Lead toxicosis is a condition caused by ingesting lead, which can cause neurological problems, such as wobbling or “drunk walking,” seizures, tremors, and GI tract and respiratory tract problems.
* Q: What is the source of the lead pellets?
A: The source of the lead pellets is unknown, but wildlife experts suspect that it may be coming from skeet and trap shooting clubs in the area.
* Q: What is the treatment for lead poisoning?
A: The treatment for lead poisoning in geese involves intubation and a stomach pump to remove the lead pellets.
* Q: Who is investigating the source of the lead pellets?
A: The IDNR is investigating the source of the lead pellets, and the EPA is also involved in the investigation.