It’s time to get the lead out!

An x-ray reveals several pieces of lead tackle inside a loon carcass.

Most of the weighted fishing tackle currently available on the market is made of lead, which is a toxic metal that is lethal in even the smallest amount to common loons and other wildlife, including trumpeter swans and bald eagles.

Across the U.S., lead poisoning is a leading cause of death for loons. An estimated 20-25% of loons die from lead poisoning, primarily from swallowing lead jigs and sinkers. Loons consume fishing tackle by:

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