Injured Pelican highlights the costs of cruelty

DULUTH, Minn. — The pelican rescued in Ashland is currently being treated for lead poisoning following a gunshot wound.

Lead poisoning in birds is complex.

“We have to use injections, chelating injections, twice a day to remove the lead from the blood, and then we give the body four days rest and then start over again.” said Marge Gibson, Director of Raptor Education Group Inc.

While the injections clear lead from the blood, it’s stored in the bones, so treatments take time.

And this pelican isn’t the only one being treated for lead by the Raptor Education Group.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had six already this year shot. And it’s, it’s such a frustrating situation, because they’re really peaceful, beautiful birds.” said Gibson.

That’s not including the 6 or 7 waiting for rescue in Neenah, WI.

It’s suspected that they had all been shot as well, but their condition is unknown until they arrive at the center.

Gibson says they’ve seen an increase in protected bird’s being brought in with gunshot wounds.

The DNR says they haven’t seen that same increase but have noted an uptick in birds with lead poisoning.

“We typically see multiple projectiles, meaning, typically shotguns are used.” said Jack Luessman, Marine Conservation Warden with the Wisconsin DNR.

The consequences for shooting a protected bird like this vary by state and depend on the circumstances.

“The individual would be looking at least two separate consequences, if not three. The two specifically would be to hunt for, shoot at, harass a protected species, and the second one would be take, attempt to take, transport of protected species.” said Luessman.

Both charges carry a fine of $303.30, as well as a three-year ban on hunting, fishing and trapping in the US.

But that’s only the Wisconsin side.

As pelicans are a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty, federal penalties could apply as well.

Those fines are minimal compared to the cost of treating these birds.

The lead poisoning medication costs $1,800 for 6 cc’s, which is how much the Pelican has needed in the past 3 days.

“Unfortunately, it’s us, it’s the nonprofits that end up paying the bills for people who do things that are illegal.” said Gibson “You know it’s a tragic situation. You should, you should have more respect for yourself than to do something this stupid.”