Wildlife

Lead Poisoning in Wildlife: A Preventable Welfare Crisis

Lead ammunition, fishing tackle, and paint cause preventable suffering and death in eagles, condors, swans, and many other wildlife species.

Key Facts

California Condor recovery is significantly hampered by lead poisoning from ammunition
Over 130 species of birds are documented to suffer lead poisoning
Lead-free ammunition performs identically to lead in hunting applications
The EU has banned lead shot over wetlands and is phasing out further uses

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning causes neurological damage, paralysis, and slow death over days to weeks in affected wildlife. Condors, eagles, and other scavengers are particularly vulnerable when feeding on gut piles left by hunters using lead ammunition. Lead fishing weights cause fatal poisoning in mute swans and loons. Readily available lead-free alternatives make continued lead use in these contexts indefensible.

What You Can Do

Use lead-free ammunition if hunting
Replace lead fishing weights with alternatives
Support legislation phasing out lead in hunting and fishing equipment
Advocate for lead-free ammunition programs in national parks and protected areas