MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Loon Preservation Committee in New Hampshire are asking boaters and anglers to keep their distance from loons to protect the nesting birds.
Vermont state wildlife biologist Doug Morin says while loons were removed from the state’s endangered species list in 2005, one of their main threats is human disturbance during breeding season.
He says most areas where loons are nesting are surrounded by signs notifying people but not all nesting sites are marked.
The Loon Preservation Committee also puts out signs and sometimes row blinds around loon nests in New Hampshire.
Morin is also reminding angler to avoid using lead fishing tackle. Loons sometimes swallow stray tackle and get poisoned by the lead.
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