Wildlife

Wildlife Poisoning from Lead Ammunition

Lead ammunition fragments in gut piles and carcasses poison raptors, corvids, and scavengers who ingest spent bullets when feeding on hunted animals.

Key Facts

Up to 20 million birds die annually from lead poisoning in North America
California condor recovery was hindered for decades by lead ammunition toxicity
Lead fragments spread up to 45 cm from the bullet path in harvested animals
Copper alternatives perform equally to lead in hunting while eliminating toxicity

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning in birds is an excruciating multi-day death involving neurological deterioration, inability to stand or fly, and organ failure. Eagles, condors, ravens, and other scavengers are exposed every hunting season when feeding on gut piles containing lead fragments. Copper ammunition eliminates this welfare harm entirely at similar cost.

What You Can Do

Use copper or other non-lead ammunition for all hunting
Support state and national non-toxic ammunition requirements
Dispose of gut piles in ways that prevent scavenger access if using lead
Advocate for lead-free hunting zones near important raptor wintering areas