Maine Expands Do-Not-Eat Advisory for Wildlife Due to PFAS Contamination
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, alongside the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, issued a new advisory on October 25, warning hunters against consuming white-tailed deer and wild turkeys from parts of Knox, Thorndike, and Unity. This announcement arrives just days before the state’s hunting season opens on November 1.
This latest advisory supplements existing restrictions already in place across areas of Unity, Albion, Fairfield, Freedom, Skowhegan, and Unity Township, reflecting a growing concern over PFAS contamination in central Maine wildlife.
Elevated PFAS Levels Detected in Key Wildlife Populations
State officials have identified elevated concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the muscle tissue of deer and turkeys sampled in eastern Kennebec and western Waldo counties. Mark Latti, spokesperson for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, linked these findings to contaminated soils in the region.
Although specific contamination levels in the tested wildlife were not disclosed, the departments emphasized the meat from affected animals is unsafe for human consumption. These findings highlight a critical intersection between environmental pollution and wildlife health.
Background on PFAS and Local Environmental Impact
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” persist indefinitely in the environment and bioaccumulate in animal tissue. Maine’s contamination stems in part from the historical fertilization of agricultural fields with sewage sludge containing high PFAS levels, a practice increasingly scrutinized for its toxicological implications.
Long-term exposure to PFAS is associated with increased risks of certain cancers, developmental issues in infants, elevated cholesterol, and immune system suppression, making the advisory particularly significant for communities reliant on local game as a food source.
Geographic Extent of Advisories and Wildlife Implications
Since the initial do-not-eat advisory issued in 2021 covering portions of east Fairfield and southern Skowhegan, the advisory zone has expanded to include:
- 5.4-square-mile area of Unity and Unity Township
- 4.3-square-mile region near Route 202 in Unity, Albion, and Freedom
- The newly added area spanning eastern Union, western Thorndike, and northern Knox
The expanding footprint underscores the challenges posed by persistent environmental contaminants to terrestrial wildlife species such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), both of which are integral to local ecosystems and hunting traditions.
Water Bodies Also Affected by PFAS
In addition to terrestrial advisories, PFAS contamination has been detected in various water bodies across central Maine. This summer, the state announced consumption advisories for ponds and rivers in Albion, Burnham, Benton, Gray, Leeds, and Wayne, indicating that both aquatic and land-based ecosystems are under threat.
Wildlife Expert Commentary
The bioaccumulation observed in deer and turkeys reflects PFAS’s chemical stability and ability to concentrate up the food chain. These species have omnivorous diets and frequent contact with contaminated soil and vegetation, increasing their exposure risk.
From a wildlife management perspective, ongoing monitoring and continuation of advisories are necessary to safeguard public health while preserving Maine’s rich hunting heritage. Hunters are encouraged to stay informed through official state resources before harvesting game.
Additional Resources
- For detailed advisory maps and updates, visit mefishwildlife.com/pfas
- Information on PFAS impacts on wildlife and human health is available through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Additional reporting and sources from: Maine issues new do-not-eat advisory as wildlife tests positive for PFAS in Waldo County
