Effects on Wildlife: Ingestion

Many shoreline litter items look like food to unsuspecting birds and marine animals. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, and Trumpeter swans will swallow lead shotgun casings, confusing them with grit.

The results of these mistakes can be devastating.

Animals can choke while trying to swallow items like plastic bags, or may neglect proper feeding because they feel full after consuming the debris. In the case of the swans, the ingestion of lead casings often results in lead poisoning and death.

A Canadian Case Study:
In 1997, a young Harbour Porpoise was found dead on a beach near Pictou, Nova Scotia. The porpoise was visibly emaciated. An examination of its esophagus revealed a balled up piece of plastic that was completely blocking the opening to its stomach. Several intact fish were found just before the blockage.

It was apparent that the ingested plastic had blocked the esophagus, leaving the young porpoise unable to swallow prey items.

Next: Effects on Ecosystems

Did you know?

Shopping Bags
Because they last up to 20 years in the environment, every year the number of bags increases. In addition to posing an ingestion and entanglement risk to animals, plastic bags accumulating in waterways blocks out sunlight that plants need to grow.
What you can do:
Minimize the number of plastic bags you use by bringing your own reusable bag with you when you go shopping. Reuse plastic bags if you already have them, and recycle any extras where facilities exist.