Lead ammunition fragments in carcasses poison scavenging wildlife, particularly raptors, causing preventable deaths and population declines.
Lead poisoning causes a slow, painful death in affected animals: progressive neurological damage, organ failure, and gradual loss of coordination over days or weeks. Eagles, condors, ravens, and other scavengers are primary victims, as are ungulates that survive initial shooting but carry embedded lead fragments. The availability of effective non-toxic alternatives makes this a preventable welfare harm that depends on hunter choice and regulatory pressure for resolution.