New Mexico Officials Are Urging Hunters to get Checked Out After Finding Earth-Shattering Levels of Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Holloman Lake

As we continue to wait upon the delays that are currently being inflicted upon the health of Americans, the Make America Healthy Again brigade can’t seem to be confirmed quickly enough.

As studies continue to fill headlines about the cancer-causing chemicals that are seemingly all around us, New Mexico’s Department of Health issued a staggering warning this week. Inside the in-depth report, the Department sent a stark warning to anyone who may have hunted or consumed game from Holloman Lake over the past decade. After finding what they referred to as “record-breaking levels” of forever chemicals (PFAS) in ducks and other birds, mammals and plants, the Department has given strict marching orders to waterfowlers to seek immediate medical attention in light of the discovery.

“The levels of PFAS contamination in Holloman Lake are deeply concerning, particularly for hunters who may have consumed waterfowl from the area over the past decade,” NMDOH medical director Dr. Miranda Durham said. “PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health problems, and we encourage anyone who has consumed game from this region and has concerns to talk to their healthcare provider.”

The 600-plus-page report went on to analyze the livers of small birds and mammals around the lake and found that these animals were living with unbelievably high levels of PFAS. In what is believed to be the highest concentration of PFAS ever recorded in a wild animal, the study of a Merriam’s kangaroo rat found a PFAS concentration at 120,000 nanograms per gram inside the animal’s liver.

Small mammals were not the only wildlife that came under the microscope during the study either. In addition to the rat, the research found that an American Wigeon held about 38,000 nanograms of PFAS per gram, echoing the sentiment from a separate 2024 study that concluded that “just one gram of duck meat from Holloman Lake exceeded the lifetime exposure limit recommended for humans.”

In light of the findings noted in the 2024 study, the New Mexico Game and Fish Department made the decision to close Holloman Lake to hunting and fishing in the same year. In an effort many are now saying might have been too little, too late, the more current study and health advisory is applied to anyone who might have hunted or fished the lake as far back as 2010.

Let us not forget the fact that Holloman Lake lies along the Central Flyway and this local concern suddenly (and literally) has wings. Given the migratory nature of waterfowl, the report also makes a point to highlight that the migration of these birds from Holloman to other parts of the state continues to carry additional risk for hunters. Department of Health officials are reiterating that the current health advisory applies to any and all hunters who may have consumed any game meat that may be associated with Holloman Lake migratory paths.