Loons Rise, But Threats Linger | Montpelier News

The common loon, once nearly extinct in Vermont, is making a stunning comeback—now boasting 117 nesting pairs and officially off the endangered list. But threats persist: wake boats churn up waves that flood nests and cloud water, making it harder for loons to hunt; plus, lead poisoning from mistaken sinkers still kills them. Though more deaths from lead in recent years may reflect a growing population, the state’s 2007 ban on small lead sinkers hasn’t fully solved the problem. Scientists are investigating whether illegal gear or legal jigs are to blame, while programs like the Fish Lead Free Project help anglers recycle old tackle. And Vermont has enacted new laws restricting wake boat activity near nesting areas during summer to give loons a fighting chance. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f40736aaecfc07d7