PFAS ‘Do Not Eat’ Advisory Expands in Central Maine for Deer and Wild Turkey
The state of Maine has extended its advisory cautioning the public against consuming deer and wild turkey harvested from several towns in central regions. This alert follows ongoing concerns about elevated levels of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—detected in these wildlife populations.
Expert Perspective on PFAS in Wildlife
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and can accumulate in the tissues of animals, particularly in species such as deer and wild turkey that forage across varied habitats. Both species play critical ecological roles: white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are herbivorous browsers influencing forest composition, while wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) contribute to seed dispersal and insect population control.
Exposure to PFAS compounds poses significant health risks to both wildlife and humans, affecting liver function, immune response, and reproductive health in animals. The advisory reflects measured contamination levels deemed unsafe for human consumption based on current toxicological standards.
Locations Under Advisory and Public Safety Measures
Residents and hunters in the affected central Maine towns should refrain from eating meat sourced from deer and wild turkey in these areas until further notice. State wildlife officials continue monitoring PFAS levels through systematic sampling to ensure public safety and ecological health.
- The advisory includes specific towns identified through testing as having elevated contamination.
- Hunters are encouraged to comply with the advisory to prevent PFAS exposure.
- Wildlife populations are under continued surveillance to track any changes in contamination levels.
Wildlife Monitoring and Future Outlook
Ongoing research aims to understand how PFAS bioaccumulates in terrestrial food webs, affecting species with wide-ranging foraging behaviors like deer and wild turkeys. Public health recommendations will be updated as new data emerges.
For hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, using guidance from state agencies ensures both personal safety and the long-term sustainability of these important game species. Maine remains committed to balancing wildlife conservation with managing environmental contaminants impacting both animals and people.
Additional reporting and sources from: PFAS ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory expands in parts of Maine | newscentermaine.com
