How improperly disposed of trash
can kill wildlife...
April 26, 2004 - Whooping cranes 303, 312 & 316 in
southwestern Michigan. #312 managed to get the jagged top of an
aluminum can wedged over her mandibles.
The manufacturer was responsible enough to print "PLEASE
DON'T LITTER" and "DISPOSE OF PROPERLY" right on the
top of the can, yet the consumer carelessly tossed it, endangering
any wildlife that happened upon it.
And just to help illustrate further...
Aluminum cans (and other human trash) can KILL wildlife... The
images above and below were sent to us by Jim Bergens, Manager at
the Jasper Pulaski State Fish and Wildlife Area in North Indiana.
"JP" is a very popular staging area used by thousands of
Sandhill cranes, and lately, even a few of the WCEP whoopers. Jim's
staff retrieved this dead Sandhill this spring. While they didn't
get a weight on the bird, Jim stated it appeared quite emaciated.
Because of the can lodged over its beak - it starved to death...
